By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 22: While thick smog blanketed most Indian cities after the Diwali celebrations, Shillong stood out as the country’s cleanest air city, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of just 17 — a level classified as “good” and posing minimal health concerns.
According to the latest national air quality data, the Meghalaya capital ranked first among Indian cities with the lowest pollution levels. It was followed by Yadgir in Karnataka with an AQI of 24, Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh and Madikeri in Karnataka each at 25, Davanagere at 29, Karwar at 30, Gangtok in Sikkim at 34, and Raipur in Chhattisgarh at 40. Mysuru also maintained a “good” air category with an AQI of 41.
In sharp contrast, major metropolitan centres continued to experience heavy pollution in the aftermath of festive fireworks.
Delhi’s average AQI stood at 346 on Tuesday morning, falling under the “very poor” category. Certain areas of the capital, including Bawana, Wazirpur, and Jahangirpuri, reported AQI readings above 400, as per The Indian Express. Last year, Delhi’s post-Diwali AQI was recorded at 359.
The Supreme Court had allowed the use of green firecrackers this year, yet dense smog and low visibility persisted across Delhi-NCR.
Mumbai, too, witnessed deterioration in air quality, with its AQI slipping to 214 — categorised as “poor.”
Reports described this as the city’s worst level since the withdrawal of the monsoon on October 10. Several visuals circulating online depicted hazy skies and limited visibility across the city.
As most urban regions continue to struggle under severe air pollution, Shillong’s clean air provides a stark and refreshing contrast. Its low population density, abundant greenery, and limited industrial activity continue to keep the hill city’s environment far ahead of India’s pollution-burdened metros.
