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Bihar's Air Quality Plummets: Patna and 5 Cities in 'Poor' Zone
11 Jan
Summary
- Five Bihar cities, including Patna, now have 'poor' AQI levels over 200.
- Siwan is the most polluted town with an AQI of 267, ranking 11th nationally.
- Winter factors like emissions, dust, and burning contribute to the pollution spike.
Air quality has sharply declined across several parts of Bihar, with the capital city, Patna, and four other urban centers now registering 'poor' Air Quality Index (AQI) levels above 200. Siwan has emerged as the state's most polluted city, recording an AQI of 267, which places it among the top 11 most polluted cities nationwide. This critical air quality situation is affecting other cities like Ara, Hajipur, and Buxar.
Several factors common during winter are contributing to this alarming rise in pollution. These include increased vehicular emissions, dust generated from construction activities, and biomass burning prevalent in the region during this season. While warm weather has encouraged more outdoor activity and heavier traffic, officials note that prevailing winds have aided in the dispersion of pollutants, preventing an even more severe increase in AQI.
Looking ahead, authorities anticipate a potential spike in pollution levels, particularly in Hajipur and surrounding areas, during the Makar Sankranti festival. This is due to the expected surge in vehicle movement as large numbers of people participate in traditional Ganga Snan rituals. The Bihar State Pollution Control Board chairman highlighted increased vehicular movement as a primary driver of current pollution levels.
