Head To These 3 Cities Having The Cleanest Air In India
According to the Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2023 Clean Air Survey conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city of Indore in Madhya Pradesh has been ranked as the city with the cleanest air in India.
The survey arranged cities with a population of over a million in eight categories, including biomass and municipal solid waste management, road dust management, management of construction and demolition waste, control of vehicular emissions, measures to abate emissions from industries, measures to check other emissions, public awareness programs, and improvement in PM10 concentration in the past year. Indore secured the top spot, followed closely by Agra in Uttar Pradesh and Thane in Maharashtra.
3 Cities Having The Cleanest Air In India
Indore, Madhya Pradesh
The smart city of Indore consistently garners accolades for its impeccable cleanliness, exemplary urban planning, and sustainable development. This remarkable achievement as a clean and smart city serves as a shining example for many others, thanks to its citizens' active engagement and responsiveness, as well as the astute planning and incentives provided by the municipal authority. Indore's exceptional performance is reflected in its impressive score of 187 out of 200 points across a range of assessment criteria.
What Makes Indore's Air The Cleanest?
Indore has a robust waste management system that effectively reduces the amount of garbage burning and landfill emissions. The city has implemented various measures to promote public and non-motorised transport, such as bus rapid transit, cycle tracks, and pedestrian zones. Additionally, Indore has invested in green infrastructure, such as parks, gardens, and urban forests, which help filter the air and provide cooling effects. To further reduce air pollution, the city has enforced strict regulations on industrial emissions and brick kilns, promoting cleaner fuels and technologies.
As a result of these actions, Indore has achieved a low level of PM2.5, which is one of the most harmful air pollutants for human health. Improved waste management and a ban on open burning have made Indore’s air much cleaner compared to a year ago, with particulate matter falling by over 5 per cent.
Improved waste management and a lid on open burning have made Indore’s air much cleaner than a year ago with particulate matter falling by over 5 per cent annually.
Places To Visit
One of Indore's most iconic attractions is the Rajwada Palace, a stunning Mughal and Maratha architecture blend. The Lal Bagh Palace, a masterpiece of European style, is another must-visit. Indore's culinary scene is famous, with Sarafa Bazaar offering delectable street food at night. Nature lovers can explore the Patalpani Waterfall, just a short drive away, or visit Ralamandal Wildlife Sanctuary to glimpse local flora and fauna. Indore is also home to the Kanch Mandir, a Jain temple crafted from glass.
Getting There
Indore is accessible through various transportation options. Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport offers domestic and international flights, ensuring convenient air travel. The city's extensive rail network connects it to major Indian cities through Indore Junction, a major railway station. A well-maintained road system, including national highways, facilitates bus and car travel. Private and state-run bus services link Indore with neighbouring regions. Train and air travel offer practical choices for those coming from nearby cities. Taxis and cab services are readily available within the city, making it accessible from multiple regional points.
Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Agra is a city in Uttar Pradesh renowned for its many historical landmarks, most notably the Taj Mahal. The city is also known for its efforts to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
What Makes Agra So Clean?
Agra has become one of the cleanest cities in India due to the combined efforts of the government and its people. India Rising, a citizen-led group, has worked tirelessly for 242 weeks to clean the city's roads. The group cleans the roads and paints and beautifies nearby walls with Swachh Bharat logos and other messages.
The Yamuna Clean Up campaign conducts weekly cleanliness drives and swachhta-promoting prayers to revive the Yamuna River. The campaign has a core team of eight people who connect the people of Agra with the Yamuna by organising daily evening prayers for a cleaner Yamuna and conducting cleanliness drives on Sundays.
The Nagar Nigam has built a unique park in Agra for its sanitation workers, who are honored with junk. The park has sculptures made from waste materials, such as plastic bottles, tires, metal scraps, etc. to show appreciation for the sanitation workers' efforts and create awareness about waste management among citizens. Still, Agra suffers from the impact of regional pollution from nearby states such as Punjab and Haryana, where stubble burning is common during winter.
Places To Visit
Agra is home to one of the world's most renowned monuments, the Taj Mahal. This breathtaking white marble mausoleum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, symbolises eternal love and architectural perfection. Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage site, is a magnificent red sandstone fortress that once served as the seat of the Mughal Empire. Visitors can also explore Fatehpur Sikri, a historic city built by Emperor Akbar. Agra's bustling bazaars offer a vibrant shopping experience with exquisite handicrafts and traditional cuisine.
Getting There
Agra can be reached through various transportation modes. Agra is served by Kheria Airport, which offers domestic flights. Alternatively, travellers can take trains to Agra Cantt Railway Station from major Indian cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai. Agra is well-connected by road, with major national highways such as NH2 and NH44 passing through the city. Bus services, both private and public, provide a cost-effective way to reach Agra. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available for local transportation.
Thane, Maharashtra
Thane, situated in Maharashtra, is renowned not only for its vibrant urban life but also for its remarkably clean air. Amidst the hustle and bustle of this bustling city, residents and visitors alike can breathe easily, thanks to conscientious efforts to maintain air quality. The lush greenery, urban planning initiatives, and pollution control measures have contributed to Thane's reputation for clean and fresh air.
What Makes Thane So Clean?
Thane is a city with many green spaces and water bodies that help reduce air pollution and provide fresh air. It is also known as the City of Lakes, as it has more than 30 lakes within its area.
As part of the Swachh Bharat campaign, Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has partnered with Kalpataru Group, a real estate developer, to launch a cleanliness drive called “Majhe Sunder Thane” (My City Clean City). This drive covers malls, roads, railway stations, residential societies, private offices, and slums. Volunteers from the Kalpataru Group and TMC regularly participate in the clean-up drive.
In addition, TMC has initiated the Indian Swachhta League 2.0, which is a competition among cities to promote cleanliness and civic sense. Thane’s team, called “Thane Titans”, was unveiled by the famous actor Bhau Kadam in the presence of TMC commissioner Abhijit Bangar. The team aims to make Thane a clean and green city by involving citizens, NGOs, corporates, and other stakeholders.
Places To Visit
Thane is often called the "City of Lakes" because its picturesque water bodies like Upvan Lake and Talao Pali provide serene escapes amidst the urban hustle. One of the city's prominent landmarks is the historic Thane Fort, showcasing its rich heritage. The Kelkar Museum is another cultural gem, housing a fascinating collection of artefacts and sculptures. Additionally, Thane offers numerous parks, including the sprawling Sanjay Gandhi National Park, which is ideal for nature enthusiasts.
Getting There
Thane offers multiple transportation options for travellers. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai is the closest major airport, approximately 25 kilometres away. One can reach Thane by taxi, cab, or train from there. Thane has its railway station, Thane Railway Station, well-connected to Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra, making train travel convenient. The city also boasts a robust road network, with access to the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Eastern Express Highway. Buses, both public and private, ply within the city and to neighbouring areas.
