India’s air pollution crisis often grabs headlines, especially when northern cities slip into the poor or severe categories every winter. But a refreshing contrast emerges when we shift our gaze to the South and Northeast, where cities consistently register AQI levels in the Good range.
In November 2025, Tamil Nadu emerged as the undisputed environmental leader, capturing 8 of the top 10 spots among India’s cleanest cities. This ranking offers valuable insight into how thoughtful governance, sustainable development, and favourable climatic conditions can influence the air we breathe.
A Simple Breakdown of AQI (Air Quality Index)
The Air Quality Index is a numerical scale designed to help people understand how clean or polluted the air around them is. The lower the number, the healthier the air. Different AQI bands reflect different levels of pollution and the associated health effects.
| AQI Range | Category | What It Means for Health |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50 | Good | Air is clean, fresh, and poses no significant health risk. |
| 51-100 | Satisfactory | Slight discomfort may occur for those who are very sensitive to pollution. |
| 101-200 | Moderately Polluted | Individuals with respiratory issues may feel mild irritation. |
| 201-300 | Poor | Longer exposure may lead to breathing difficulty even for healthy people. |
| 301-400 | Very Poor | Prolonged exposure can cause respiratory problems and other illnesses. |
| 401-500 | Severe | Air is extremely toxic; health emergencies are likely. |
With an AQI of 13, Ariyalur continues to be India’s cleanest city for November 2025.
10. Davanagere, Karnataka - AQI 26
Davanagere, an emerging urban centre surrounded by agricultural fields, records an impressive AQI of 26. The city's clean atmosphere is credited to its balanced development, moderate industrial presence, and extensive greenery on the outskirts.
Why Davanagere remains clean:
- Lower traffic density compared to major Karnataka metros
- Green belts naturally filtering pollutants
- Reliable control over industrial effluents
- High public awareness about environmental health
Davanagere’s success lies in its ability to blend city growth with eco-friendly planning.
9. Mangalore, Karnataka - AQI 25
Mangalore benefits drastically from its coastal geography. The constant sea breeze acts as a natural purifier, pushing polluted air away while refreshing the surroundings.
Factors ensuring clean air:
- Ocean winds that disperse pollutants
- Coconut groves and greenery across the region
- Limited heavy industries
- Balanced climatic conditions
With beaches, open areas, and moderate traffic levels, Mangalore remains a coastal zone defined by purity.
8. Salem, Tamil Nadu - AQI 22
Despite being a major Tamil Nadu city, Salem maintains impressive air quality thanks to its favourable layout and emphasis on efficient waste and traffic management.
Why Salem ranks so well:
- Good vehicular flow due to broad highways
- Surrounding hills that help circulate clean air
- Adoption of better waste disposal systems
- Lower concentration of emission-heavy industries
Salem strikes a unique balance between urban development and environmental safeguard.
7. Tirupur, Tamil Nadu - AQI 22
India’s knitwear capital is bustling, yet surprisingly clean. Tirupur showcases how technology, strict policies, and environmental responsibility can transform an industrial city.
Reasons behind clean AQI:
- Use of eco-friendly textile processing technologies
- Growing adoption of solar power
- Heavy monitoring of outdated machinery
- Strict enforcement of clean production norms
Tirupur stands as a model for industrial districts across India.
6. Perundurai, Tamil Nadu - AQI 21
Despite its industrial zones, Perundurai has maintained a healthy AQI of 21. This is possible because industries are carefully zoned and follow strong emission guidelines.
Key reasons:
- Efficient zoning reducing residential exposure
- Strong environmental regulations
- Plenty of agricultural land that absorbs pollutants
- Controlled household and vehicular emissions
Perundurai proves that environmental discipline matters more than the level of industrialisation.
5. Shillong, Meghalaya - AQI 17
The only Northeastern star on this list, Shillong, is naturally blessed with pristine weather, evergreen forests, and rainfall that frequently clears the air.
Why Shillong is so clean:
- Lower population density
- Rainfall that regularly washes out pollutants
- Extensive forest cover
- Minimal industrial presence
Shillong’s terrain and culture both prioritise environmental preservation.
4. Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu - AQI 17
Thanjavur, a heritage city known for temples and art, ranks impressively with an AQI of 17. The region relies heavily on agriculture, which naturally helps maintain a pollutant-free environment.
Reasons for excellent air:
- Agriculture-focused economy
- Vast green fields around the city
- Lower traffic congestion
- Controlled construction activities
Thanjavur’s environment supports both heritage tourism and healthier breathing.
3. Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu - AQI 16
Trichy, an important urban, religious, and educational hub, maintains outstanding air quality due to its wide roads, greenery, and controlled industrial activity.
Why Trichy ranks so high:
- Well-designed traffic system
- Abundant green zones
- Minimal heavy industries
- Reliable pollution monitoring
Trichy is proof that large cities can remain clean with proper planning.
3. Karur, Tamil Nadu - AQI 16
Karur, a textile and bus-body manufacturing hub, handles pollution exceptionally well due to well-managed industrial systems and airflow patterns that disperse pollutants.
Key reasons:
- Efficient industrial exhaust systems
- Lower overall vehicle density
- Strong wind circulation
- Good waste and water management policies
Karur showcases how industry and sustainability can coexist.
2. Ooty, Tamil Nadu - AQI 15
Ooty’s high-altitude climate makes it one of the cleanest air zones in India. Even during peak tourism, the air remains fresh due to environmental controls and forest density.
Why Ooty's air is exceptional:
- Dense forests in Nilgiri range
- Steady mountain winds
- Low industrial activity
- Strict eco-tourism rules
Ooty’s environment continues to set standards for hill stations nationwide.
1. Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu - AQI 13
Ariyalur tops the list with an incredibly low AQI of 13. Despite having industrial operations like cement production, its pollution control effectiveness is unmatched.
Reasons behind India’s cleanest air:
- Strictly monitored industrial emissions
- Low population and traffic density
- Natural greenery and open land
- Strong policy implementation
Ariyalur proves that clean air is a direct result of governance, monitoring, and community awareness.
Top 10 Cleanest Indian Cities - November 2025
| Rank | City | State | AQI | Category | Main Pollutant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Davanagere | Karnataka | 26 | Good | CO |
| 9 | Mangalore | Karnataka | 25 | Good | O₃ |
| 8 | Salem | Tamil Nadu | 22 | Good | PM2.5 |
| 7 | Tirupur | Tamil Nadu | 22 | Good | CO |
| 6 | Perundurai | Tamil Nadu | 21 | Good | PM10 |
| 5 | Shillong | Meghalaya | 17 | Good | PM10 |
| 4 | Thanjavur | Tamil Nadu | 17 | Good | SO₂ |
| 3 | Tiruchirappalli | Tamil Nadu | 16 | Good | SO₂ |
| 3 | Karur | Tamil Nadu | 16 | Good | SO₂ |
| 2 | Ooty | Tamil Nadu | 15 | Good | SO₂ |
| 1 | Ariyalur | Tamil Nadu | 13 | Good | SO₂ |
Why Southern and Northeastern Cities Perform Better?
- Lower population density
- Better air-flow patterns (sea breeze, mountain winds)
- Stronger pollution regulation
- Extensive forests and greenery
- Higher adoption of renewable energy
- Less reliance on solid fuels in homes
The combination of climate and policy puts these states far ahead in air quality.
The November 2025 AQI rankings reveal one clear insight: Clean air is the result of discipline, planning, and environmental responsibility, regardless of whether a city is industrial or rural.
Tamil Nadu’s dominance shows what consistent governance can achieve. Shillong highlights the value of preserving natural landscapes. And Karnataka’s coastal and inland cities demonstrate the role of geography paired with policy.
Also Read: Cyclone Ditwah Weakens, But Heavy Rains Batter Tamil Nadu
About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I’m Akanksha Sinha, a dedicated Sports Content Writer and Blogger with proven expertise in creating engaging sports blogs, news stories, and entertainment-driven articles. With a passion for storytelling and a strong command of research, I strive to deliver content that not only informs but also captivates readers across all age groups. At Possible11, she covers fantasy sports, match previews, and trending topics, making her a trusted voice for sports enthusiasts.
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