Guwahati: Tura, Nongstoin and Dawki in Meghalaya are among five Indian locations that recorded the lowest annual average concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) latest Ambient Air Quality Database.
The other two locations are Lunglei and Kolasib in Mizoram, making all five locations listed among India’s lowest PM2.5 readings part of the Northeast. The figures are based on 2021 measurements included in Version 8.0 of the WHO database, released in June 2026.
Tura recorded an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 6 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³), matching Lunglei for the lowest reading among the Indian locations highlighted in the analysis. Nongstoin recorded 7 µg/m³, while Dawki and Kolasib recorded 8 µg/m³ each.
Tura is the headquarters of West Garo Hills district and Meghalaya’s second-largest town after Shillong. Nongstoin is the administrative headquarters of West Khasi Hills, while Dawki is located near the India-Bangladesh border.
Lunglei, in southern Mizoram, is the state’s second-largest settlement. Kolasib is in northern Mizoram, close to the Assam border.
The WHO Ambient Air Quality Database contains annual measurements of PM2.5, PM10 and nitrogen dioxide from more than 8,000 human settlements across 127 countries and territories. The measurements in the database were collected between 2010 and 2024.
PM2.5 consists of fine particles measuring 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter. They can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and are used as an indicator of particulate air pollution and associated health risks.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma welcomed the findings, describing them as reflecting the state’s “clean, green and naturally pristine environment” and the role of communities in protecting nature. He urged people to continue safeguarding forests, rivers and air.