Nestled in the heart of Karnataka, Mysore—officially Mysuru—is widely hailed as India’s greenest city, and with good reason.
Why Mysore Stands Out as the Greenest City in India
1. Vibrant Greenery and Thoughtful Urban Design
Mysore is celebrated for its tree-lined avenues, meticulously maintained parks, and abundant open green spaces, making it a living emblem of eco-conscious design. It features over 300 parks, institutional lawns, and well-maintained gardens that both beautify the city and offer ecological benefits
2. Restored and Thriving Water Bodies
Several of Mysore’s lakes have undergone impactful rejuvenation. Kukkarahalli Lake, for instance, has been revived through interventions like aeration, desilting, and rainwater harvesting, plus a scenic 3.5 km lakeside walkway. Karanji Lake, now home to India’s largest walk-through aviary and a butterfly park, adds to the city’s biodiversity and green charm. Hebbal Lake is likewise on a path to recovery, thanks to support from the Infosys Foundation and initiatives to reinstate life into the polluted waters
3. Strong Sustainability Initiatives
Since 2010, the Mysore City Corporation's “Green City” project has spearheaded environmental improvements through waste segregation, composting drives, renewable energy adoption, and eco-friendly transport systems. These efforts have led to a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, a 30% drop in landfill waste, and solar energy now meets around 6% of the city's energy needs
4. Community Engagement & Cleanliness
Mysore's rise to prominence as a green city is fuelled by strong citizen participation. Programs like the "Clean & Green City Mission" unite residents, civic groups, and developers in championing sustainability. This collaborative ethos has made Mysore one of the cleanest cities in India
5. Strategic Environmental Governance
The city’s environmental dedication continues, with recent activism prompting action: when activists halted road expansion over tree loss, authorities pledged to plant 150 new saplings in response. This reflects Mysore’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and enhancing its urban canopy.