Munger Achieves India's Best Air Quality with AQI of 29
In a significant environmental milestone, Bihar's Munger recorded the lowest air quality index (AQI) in the entire country on Saturday, according to the latest bulletin from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The city posted an impressive AQI of 29, securing the top spot on the national list of cleanest cities due to favorable climatic conditions.
Top Clean Air Performers Across India
Following Munger, Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir recorded an AQI of 35, while Nagaon in Assam, Madikeri in Karnataka, and Maihar in Madhya Pradesh all registered an AQI of 37. This highlights a diverse geographic spread of cities with excellent air quality.
Bihar's Other Clean Air Champions
Two additional cities in Bihar also featured prominently among the nation's cleaner towns. Rajgir recorded an AQI of 43, and Kishanganj stood at 50. All these readings fall within the 'good' category, indicating minimal air pollution and healthy breathing conditions for residents, offering a welcome contrast to the state's usual seasonal pollution challenges.
Expert Insights on Air Quality Improvement
Experts attribute such low AQI levels to a combination of favorable meteorological factors, including good wind speed, recent rainfall, and reduced local emissions. Devendra Kumar Shukla, Chairman of the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB), emphasized that favorable weather conditions have effectively dispersed pollutants across the state.
"Favourable weather conditions have helped disperse the pollutants effectively in the air," Shukla stated. He added that according to meteorologists, air quality is likely to remain good for the next three days due to ongoing rain and windy conditions.
Patna's Air Quality Shows Moderate Improvement
In contrast, Patna recorded an overall AQI of 101 on Saturday, an improvement from 137 on Friday, placing it in the 'moderate' category. Data from various continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations across the city showed significant variation:
- DRM office in Khagaul: 96
- Samanpura: 125
- Patna City: 110
- Muradpur: 114
- Rajbanshi Nagar: 61
Statewide Air Quality Overview
Of the 12 other cities monitored in Bihar, 11 were in the satisfactory zone (AQI between 51 and 100):
- Sasaram: 52
- Motihari: 53
- Bettiah: 53
- Araria: 54
- Katihar: 58
Apart from Patna, Aurangabad was also in the moderate zone with an AQI reading of 102.
Weather Forecast and Future Outlook
According to the Patna Meteorological Centre, rain is expected at one or two places in the eastern parts of Bihar on March 29. Additionally, hailstorm is likely at a few places in Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, and Samastipur, while thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds reaching 40–50 kmph are anticipated in eastern Bihar on the same day. These conditions are expected to further support improved air quality in the region.
