From Our Special Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Dec 8: As major cities like Delhi choke under hazardous smog, hill towns in the Northeast such as Shillong and Gangtok continue to enjoy pristine air quality, emerging as some of India’s cleanest breathing spaces, according to a new report.
Shillong, fondly called the “Scotland of the East”, and Sikkim’s capital Gangtok owe their consistently excellent Air Quality Index (AQI) readings to high elevation, dense forest cover, abundant rainfall, and minimal industrial activity.
Favourable hill-and-valley topography aids natural air circulation, while strict local environmental policies, low vehicular congestion, and community-led conservation efforts further keep pollution at bay, the report said.
The report highlights similar clean-air oases across the country, including Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh), Munnar (Kerala), and Coorg (Karnataka), all benefiting from lush vegetation, limited factories, and proactive governance.
These destinations are fast gaining popularity not just for tourism but also for wellness retreats, short escapes, and even permanent relocation by those seeking respite from polluted metros.
With state governments stepping up measures to safeguard their natural advantage, these hill towns stand as living proof that geography, strong regulation, and collective action can preserve breathable air even as the rest of urban India struggles, the report added.
