Indore, known as India's cleanest city, has slipped to the second spot in the Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2026, losing the top position to Lucknow by just one point. Lucknow scored 198 out of 200, while Indore secured 197 points in the category of cities with a population of more than 10 lakh.
The rankings were announced at the fifth edition of the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan Awards, which evaluates cities on measures taken to control air pollution, including road dust, vehicular emissions and industrial pollution.
PM10 levels cost Indore the top spot
Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava attributed the city's narrow loss to its performance on PM10 pollution levels. PM10 refers to particulate matter measuring 10 micrometres or less, with major sources including vehicle emissions, road dust and industrial activity.
According to officials, Indore reduced its average PM10 concentration from 85 to 81 micrograms per cubic metre, a reduction of four points. Lucknow, meanwhile, reduced its average PM10 level from 147 to 135 micrograms per cubic metre, recording an eight-point decline.
Mayor Bhargava said the city would intensify measures to control pollution from traffic and industries throughout the year. Initiatives such as "Red Light On, Engine Off", greater adoption of electric vehicles and the use of e-buses are expected to be strengthened.
Indore still records strong air quality performance
Despite losing the top position, Indore continues to rank among the country's better-performing cities for air pollution management. Municipal data showed that its PM10 levels declined by more than 15 per cent compared with previous years.
The city also recorded an AQI below 200 on more than 98 per cent of days during the evaluation period.
Lucknow tops, Jabalpur third
Lucknow emerged as the winner with 198 points, followed by Indore with 197 and Jabalpur with 195. Bhopal and Agra jointly secured the fourth position with
Lucknow's performance was supported by measures including electric vehicles for waste collection, mechanised road sweeping, efforts to control road dust and better management of legacy waste.
Indore had topped the previous edition of the survey with a perfect 200 out of 200 points. While the city has now slipped to second place, officials have said that additional measures will be taken to reduce PM10 levels and address pollution from vehicles and other sources.
