Indore loses air quality crown to Lucknow in latest national survey

Indore's grip on India's cleanest city title has loosened in the latest air quality survey, with the municipal corporation acknowledging the slip while committing to renewed anti-pollution efforts. The city, which had achieved a perfect score of 200 out of 200 in the 2025 survey, fell one point short of Lucknow, which now leads the national rankings.

The marginal decline marks a significant moment for Indore, which has consistently maintained top rankings in national cleanliness indices over recent years. Municipal officials attributed the dip to seasonal factors and localized pollution sources, though detailed analysis of the survey methodology and contributing factors remains underway.

The Indore Municipal Corporation has announced enhanced measures to combat air pollution, including stricter enforcement of dust control regulations, increased green cover initiatives, and monitoring of industrial emissions. The Mayor's office indicated that the city would intensify its focus on maintaining air quality standards while working to reclaim its leading position.

The survey results underscore the competitive nature of India's urban cleanliness rankings and the ongoing challenge cities face in maintaining environmental standards. Lucknow's ascendancy to the top reflects broader efforts across major Indian cities to improve air quality and sanitation infrastructure.