During the nationwide coronavirus lockdown, there was a major drop in pollution levels across the country. As per recently captured images from Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite, several cities across the nation have seen a considerable drop in pollution.
Satellite maps produced using data from Copernicus Sentinel -5P satellite shows a considerable drop in average nitrogen dioxide concentrations over India from 24th March 2020 to 20th April 2020.
The images also disclose at least a 40 to 50 per cent drop in pollution levels as compared to the same time last year. However, the pollution levels escalated pretty quickly once the vehicles started moving.
Among the cities in India, it is no doubt that Delhi has the worst Air Quality Index (AQI). Delhi’s AQI is unhealthy and has been the same case year after year. Four days ago, Delhi shuts schools, the government offices for a week due to air pollution.
As of November 16, 2021, the national capital had an AQI of 266, and people were frequently experiencing health issues due to air pollution.
AQI is divided into six categories:
| AQI | Levels of Health Concern | Colours |
|---|---|---|
| When the Air Quality Index is in this range | air quality conditions are | as symbolized by this colour |
| 0-50 | Good | Green |
| 51-100 | Moderate | Yellow |
| 101-150 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | Orange |
| 151 to 200 | Unhealthy | Red |
| 201 to 300 | Very Unhealthy | Purple |
| 301 to 500 | Hazardous | Maroon |
On the other side of the coin, there are other cities in India with the best air quality index. In this article, we will take a look at the list of Indian cities with the best AQI.
1. Aizwal, Mizoram – AQI – 7
2. Davangere, Karnataka AQI: 12
3. Digboi, Assam AQI: 13
4. Parli Vaijnath, Maharashtra AQI: 13
5. Puducherry, Puducherry AQI: 13
6. Honnali, Karnataka AQI: 14
7. George Town, Tamil Nadu AQI: 17
8. Ramamangalam, Kerala AQI: 17
9. Shirhatti, Karnataka AQI: 24
10. Koppal, Karnataka AQI: 26