New Delhi, Sept. 8 -- Delhi, one of India's cities most frequently hit by toxic smog and dangerous air pollution, has ranked above Bengaluru and Srinagar in the Centre's Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2026. The national capital ranked 21st among cities with populations exceeding 10 lakh, while Srinagar and Bengaluru ranked 26th and 32nd, respectively. Lucknow emerged at the top of the clean-air ranking.

The ranking, released by the Union Environment Ministry on Monday, is not based solely on air quality levels. It also evaluates the steps cities have taken to control and reduce pollution.

Lucknow topped the category for cities with populations above 10 lakh, scoring 198 points. Indore, which has been recognised as India's cleanest city for eigh...