Clean Air Survey: Indore Slips to Second as Lucknow Takes Top Spot

Indore, Madhya Pradesh’s commercial capital, has slipped from the top position to second in the 2026 Clean Air Survey after scoring 197 out of 200 points. Lucknow secured the first position with 198 points in the category of cities with populations above one million. The result comes after Indore had achieved a perfect score of 200 in the previous survey, making the latest decline a closely watched development for the city’s administration.

Local authorities attributed Indore’s fall primarily to PM10 particles, which are airborne particulate pollutants that can affect air quality and public health. The city’s heavy vehicle movement has been identified as one factor contributing to the pollution levels. Officials said efforts would be intensified to address pollution sources and improve air quality across the city.

The administration is expected to strengthen measures targeting emissions from vehicles and other sources that contribute to particulate pollution. Greater attention is also likely to be given to road dust and activities that can increase concentrations of PM10 in the atmosphere. Authorities have indicated that additional steps will be taken to prevent further deterioration and improve Indore’s performance in future assessments.

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Indore has built a strong reputation for cleanliness and civic management in recent years, frequently featuring among the country’s leading cities in cleanliness-related rankings. The clean air survey, however, measures a different aspect of urban management by examining air-quality-related performance. The latest result highlights the continuing challenge of maintaining clean surroundings while dealing with traffic growth and urban activity.

Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava has assured that the administration will take stronger anti-pollution measures to address the factors behind the decline. The focus will include controlling sources of particulate pollution and improving conditions in areas experiencing heavier traffic and dust. Officials want to ensure that the one-point gap with Lucknow does not widen in subsequent assessments.

Indore’s second-place finish therefore represents a narrow setback rather than a major decline, with the city only one point behind Lucknow. The administration now faces the task of translating its assurances into sustained improvements in air quality. With intensified pollution-control measures planned, Indore will seek to regain the top position while continuing its efforts to maintain its reputation for strong civic management.

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