City records ‘good’ air quality; experts credit geography, rain and green cover
Shillong (Meghalaya), Oct 22:
Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, registered the cleanest air in India on Wednesday morning with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of just 17, placing it firmly in the “good” category and indicating minimal health risk for the public.
According to live national air-quality trackers, Shillong led the list of Indian cities with the lowest pollution levels, followed by Yadgir in Karnataka (AQI 24) and Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh (AQI 25). Other cities in the top clean-air bracket included Madikeri (25), Davanagere (29), Karwar (30), Gangtok (34), Raipur (40) and Mysuru (41) — all within the “good” band.
The reading marks a sharp contrast to many major cities where post-Diwali fireworks and stubble-burning pushed AQI levels into “very poor” or “hazardous” zones over the past 24 hours.
Experts attributed Shillong’s favourable air to its high altitude, frequent rainfall, extensive greenery, and relatively low industrial and vehicular emissions. Officials added that conducive weather conditions and limited firecracker use during Diwali helped keep pollution levels low.
“It’s a relief to open the windows and breathe deeply this morning,” said a resident of Lumpyngngad, welcoming the fresh air. Health authorities, however, cautioned citizens to stay alert for any short-term changes in air quality as wind patterns shift or construction dust rises later in the day.
With pollution levels surging across much of the country, Shillong’s performance stands out as a model of how geography, policy, and favourable weather can combine to maintain healthy air even when the national picture looks grim.
