Indore Tops Clean Air Survey 2025 Among Indian Cities
In a remarkable achievement, Indore has once again proven its environmental commitment. Among Indian cities with a population of over 1 million, Indore has secured the top position in the Clean Air Survey 2025, becoming not only the cleanest city but also the city with the cleanest air in India.
Indore has also been declared the best wetland city in the country in a newly launched competition focused on wetland conservation. This achievement highlights the city's efforts in preserving its natural resources.
Other Top Performers in Large Cities
- 2nd Place: Jabalpur
- 3rd Place (tie): Agra and Surat
In the 2024 survey, Surat was ranked first, Jabalpur second, and Agra third, while Indore was in the sixth position. This year, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change released the Clean Air Survey 2025 on September 9, under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), covering 130 cities across India.
Participation Details
Out of 130 cities, 48 cities with over 1 million population participated. In the 3 to 10 lakh population category, 42 cities participated, and 40 cities participated in the category of under 3 lakh population.
Top Cities by Population Category
- Over 10 lakh: Indore (1st), Jabalpur (2nd), Agra & Surat (3rd)
- 3–10 lakh: Amravati (1st), Moradabad (2nd), Jhansi & Alwar (3rd)
- Below 3 lakh: Dewas (1st), Parwanoo (2nd), Angul (3rd)
Criteria for Ranking
The rankings were based on improvements in air quality and actions taken under the NCAP. Key evaluation parameters included:
- Prevention of waste burning
- Reduction of road dust
- Dust and waste management at construction sites
- Measures to reduce vehicular emissions
- Controlling industrial pollution
- Reduction in PM-10 levels
Wetlands Ranking
For the first time, a ranking of India's 91 Ramsar sites (wetlands) was also released. Indore topped this list, followed by Udaipur, for their effective maintenance and conservation efforts.
Minister's Statement
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, while releasing the Clean Air Survey 2025, highlighted that 25 cities have shown up to 40% improvement in air quality. He also honored the top three cities in each category with cash prizes and certificates.
Prize Details
- Over 10 lakh population:
- 1st Place: ₹1.5 crore
- 2nd Place: ₹1 crore
- 3rd Place: ₹25 lakh
- 3–10 lakh population:
- 1st Place: ₹75 lakh
- 2nd & 3rd Place: ₹25 lakh each
- Below 3 lakh population:
- 1st Place: ₹37.5 lakh
- 2nd Place: ₹25 lakh
- 3rd Place: ₹12.5 lakh
Key Initiatives by Top Cities
- Indore (200 points): World record plantation of 1.6 million saplings in a single day, introduction of 120 electric and 150 CNG buses
- Jabalpur (199 points): 11 MW waste-to-energy plant
- Agra (196 points): Large-scale waste disposal, dense plantation using Japanese Miyawaki method