In 2025, many Indian cities have shown remarkable progress in improving air quality, creating cleaner and healthier surroundings for people. Through strict pollution control, green initiatives, and eco-friendly practices, these cities have managed to reduce harmful emissions. The improvement in the Air Quality Index (AQI) highlights their success. By balancing growth with environmental care, these cities have become inspiring examples of how urban areas can move toward a sustainable and healthy future.
Tirunelveli, a city in Tamil Nadu, holds the top spot for the best air quality in India in 2025, with an impressive AQI of 33. The city’s low pollution levels are mainly due to the reduction in PM10 particles, a prominent pollutant. Tirunelveli’s commitment to environmental conservation, combined with its lush green surroundings, ensures that the air remains clean and fresh, offering a healthy living environment for its residents.
Tirunelveli, a city in Tamil Nadu, ranks first for the best air quality in India in 2025, with a remarkable AQI of 33, followed by Naharlagun, Madikeri and Vijayapura.
Here is the list of top-10 Indian cities with the best AQI 2025:
| Rank | Indian City | State | AQI | Prominent Pollutant |
| 1. | Tirunelveli | Tamil Nadu | 33 | PM10 |
| 2. | Naharlagun | Arunachal Pradesh | 43 | PM10 |
| 3. | Madikeri | Karnataka | 44 | PM2.5 |
| 4. | Vijayapura | Karnataka | 47 | PM10 |
| 5. | Thanjavur | Tamil Nadu | 55 | PM2.5 |
| 6. | Koppal | Karnataka | 55 | PM2.5 |
| 7. | Varanasi | Uttar Pradesh | 55 | PM2.5, PM10 |
| 8. | Hubballi | Karnataka | 56 | PM2.5, CO |
| 9. | Kannur | Kerala | 56 | PM10 |
| 10. | Chhal | Chhattisgarh | 56 | PM10 |
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool used by government agencies to show how polluted the air is or might become. As pollution increases, the AQI rises, indicating higher healthier risks. People with respiratory or heart conditions, along with children and the elderly, are more affected. When AQI is high, it is advised to limit outdoor activities and use masks or air purifiers, especially during events like wildfires.
The National Air Quality Index (AQI) uses six categories to describe air quality and its health effects:
Did you know there is a famous palace in India that seems to breathe with…
Did you know India is home to some of the tallest and most powerful dams…
Indian Railways has achieved an important milestone by launching the country’s first LNG–Diesel dual-fuel DEMU…
Andhra Pradesh has taken a strong and positive step to support women entrepreneurs by planning…
The world’s two most populous nations and Asia’s largest economies have reached a historic trade…
In February 2026, Elon Musk achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first individual on…