a handful of Indian cities stand out for their low pollution levels and high livability standards. Jodhpur leads the list with an AQI of just 29 — its historic charm, blue houses and laid-back Thar-edge ambiance offering both culture and clean air. Indore, with AQI around 37, emerges as a model city thanks to rigorous waste-management, clean-city policies, and a blend of educational and economic opportunities. Meanwhile, Pune (AQI ≈ 41) attracts many for its green cover, relaxed pace compared to metros, and strong academic and corporate presence. Gwalior — with AQI ≈ 50 — balances heritage, music tradition and modern Smart-City infrastructure. And Raipur (AQI ≈ 51), despite being an industrial hub, manages relatively clean air, growing as a promising affordable urban centre. Together, these cities suggest that it is possible to have clean air, economic growth, culture, and opportunity — a combination many big metros struggle to offer.