Indore, Jabalpur & Bhopal Rank Top 5 in Clean Air Survey

The National Clean Air Survey 2026 has ranked Indore, Jabalpur, and Bhopal among the top 5 clean air cities in India. Indore secured the 2nd position, Jabalpur the 3rd, and Bhopal the 4th.

The survey, conducted by the Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry, evaluated 130 cities across the country based on various parameters. The results were announced at a ceremony held at the Indira Environment Bhawan in Delhi, where the Chairman of the National Green Tribunal, Justice Prakash Shrivastava, and Secretary to the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry, Tanmay Kumar, presented the awards.

Bhopal scored 192 points in the survey, improving from its 6th place ranking last year with 191 points. Additionally, Ward 60 of Bhopal was recognized in the ward category of the survey. However, despite this achievement, the city's air quality remains a concern, with the annual average PM10 concentration exceeding the national standard by a significant margin.

The PM10 levels in Bhopal have declined from 113 micrograms per cubic meter in 2023-24 to 110 micrograms in 2024-25, representing a reduction of around 3%. Nevertheless, this figure is still approximately 83% above the national annual standard of 60 micrograms.

Other cities in Madhya Pradesh also performed well in the survey, with Gwalior ranking 39th in the category of mega cities with more than 10 lakh population. Ujjain and Sagar secured 16th and 21st positions, respectively, in the category of cities with a population of 3 lakh to 10 lakh. Dewas ranked 7th in the category of cities with less than 3 lakh population.

The recognition of these cities is a positive step towards improving air quality, but it also highlights the need for continued efforts to address the issue. The awards ceremony was attended by officials from the Bhopal Municipal Corporation, including Additional Commissioner Aman Mishra and Mayor in Council R K Singh, who received the awards on behalf of the city.

The survey's findings serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining clean air and the need for sustained efforts to reduce pollution levels. As the city's air quality remains a concern, it is essential for the authorities to continue working towards improving the environment and ensuring a healthier living space for residents.

In conclusion, the ranking of Indore, Jabalpur, and Bhopal among the top 5 clean air cities in India is a notable achievement, but it also underscores the need for ongoing efforts to address the issue of air pollution. The city's air quality remains a significant concern, and it is crucial for the authorities to continue working towards reducing pollution levels and improving the environment.

The improvement in air quality is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to achieve the national standards. The city's residents and authorities must work together to maintain the momentum and ensure that the air quality continues to improve.

The survey's results will likely have a significant impact on the city's development and environment. It is essential for the authorities to take the necessary steps to address the issue of air pollution and ensure that the city's air quality improves in the coming years.

The recognition of the city's efforts to improve air quality is a positive step, and it is likely to encourage other cities to follow suit. The survey's findings will also help to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining clean air and the need for sustained efforts to reduce pollution levels.

In the end, the ranking of Indore, Jabalpur, and Bhopal among the top 5 clean air cities in India is a notable achievement, and it highlights the need for continued efforts to address the issue of air pollution. The city's air quality remains a significant concern, and it is crucial for the authorities to continue working towards reducing pollution levels and improving the environment.