Least Polluted Cities In Asia: Three Cities From India Make The Cut
The report, released by Swiss air quality technology company IQAir, evaluates PM2.5 air quality data from 8,954 cities across 138 countries.
The World Air Quality Report 2024 has named three Indian cities — Gangtok, Raichur and Tiruppur — among the 15 least polluted regional cities in Central and South Asia.
Despite the region struggling with some of the world's worst air pollution, these cities have emerged as bright spots with relatively cleaner air.
The report, released by Swiss air quality technology company IQAir, evaluates PM2.5 air quality data from 8,954 cities across 138 countries. It's based on measurements from over 40,000 air quality monitoring stations and low-cost sensors operated by government bodies, research institutions, non-profit organisations and citizen scientists.
PM2.5, or fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less, is a key indicator of air pollution due to its severe impact on human health.
Three From India Among Top 15 Least Polluted Cities
According to the report, Sikkim's capital city Gangtok ranked 11th among the least polluted cities in Central and South Asia, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 13.2 µg/m³ in 2024. Close behind, Raichur in Karnataka secured the 12th position, recording 13.4 µg/m³, while Tiruppur in Tamil Nadu stood at 15th place with 14.5 µg/m³.
Overall Air Quality Trends In Central and South Asia
Despite these positive rankings, Central and South Asia continue to face severe air pollution, housing five of the world's 10 most polluted countries, according to the report. The region also accounts for nine of the 10 most polluted cities globally. Apart from India, the report for Central and South Asia includes data from Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
Delhi Among Most Polluted Cities
While some Indian cities have performed well, Delhi remains a significant concern, recording an alarming PM2.5 level of 108.3 µg/m³ in 2024.
In Central and South Asia, Byrnihat in Assam emerged as one of the most polluted cities globally, with the highest PM2.5 levels in the region at 128.2 µg/m³.
These numbers show the stark contrast in air quality across India, where major urban centres continue to struggle with hazardous pollution levels. Among the 15 most polluted cities in Central and South Asia, 10 are in India.
