The air quality across Bihar took a severe hit on Sunday, with five major urban centers, including the state capital Patna, slipping into the 'poor' category. The latest data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed that Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in these cities breached the 200 mark, signaling unhealthy conditions for residents.
Statewide Pollution: The Worst Performers
According to the CPCB bulletin, Siwan emerged as the most polluted town in Bihar, recording an alarming AQI of 267. This reading placed it 11th on the national list of most polluted cities. Following Siwan, other towns that entered the 'poor' zone (AQI 201-300) were Ara (262), Hajipur (243), Patna (226), and Buxar (220).
At the national level, Tonk in Rajasthan topped the pollution chart with an AQI of 308. It was closely followed by Mandideep in Madhya Pradesh (299), Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan (293), and the national capital Delhi (291).
Capital in Distress: Patna's Sharp Decline
The deterioration in Patna was particularly sharp. The city's overall AQI jumped by a significant 69 points from a 'moderate' 157 on Saturday to a 'poor' 226 on Sunday. An analysis of readings from different monitoring stations within the capital showed a wide variation in pollution levels.
The Planetarium area recorded the highest AQI at 258, making it the most polluted locality. Other high-pollution zones included Muradpur (255), Samanpura (244), DRM office-Khagaul (243), and Rajbansi Nagar (237). In contrast, Patna City remained a relatively cleaner area with an AQI of 116.
Beyond the 'poor' category cities, the CPCB data showed that 16 cities in Bihar were in the 'moderate' zone with AQI between 101 and 200. Only two cities enjoyed 'satisfactory' air quality: Kishanganj with an AQI of 53 and Sasaram at 66.
Causes, Concerns, and Official Commentary
Experts and officials attributed the sudden spike to a combination of typical winter factors. These include increased vehicular emissions, dust from construction activities, and biomass burning, which are common in the region during this season.
Devendra Kumar Shukla, Chairman of the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB), provided insights into the situation. He linked the current pollution levels to heightened vehicular movement on roads, spurred by warm and sunny weather that encouraged people to venture outdoors.
"The prevailing westerly winds have aided in the dispersion of pollutants," Shukla noted, adding that this meteorological factor helped prevent an even steeper rise in the AQI. However, he issued a caution for the near future.
The BSPCB chairman warned that pollution levels could worsen in Hajipur and surrounding areas during Makar Sankranti. The traditional Ganga Snan (holy dip) attracts large crowds, leading to a substantial increase in vehicle movement and consequent emissions.
Health experts remind that prolonged exposure to air in the 'poor' category can lead to respiratory issues, especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing lung or heart conditions. The current situation calls for heightened awareness and precautionary measures among the public.
