Patna: Katihar in northeast Bihar recorded the cleanest air in the state, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35, classified as ‘good’ under CPCB norms. Munger, known for its yoga heritage, followed with a similarly clean reading of 39, while Gaya—home to the revered Mahabodhi Temple—registered an AQI of 49, maintaining its position in the ‘good’ category.
Bettiah and Araria hovered in the ‘satisfactory’ range at 59 and 63, respectively, while Bhagalpur and Aurangabad registered slightly higher values of 76 and 77. The state capital, Patna, reported an AQI of 79, indicating ‘satisfactory’ air quality, but approaching the higher end of the scale. Buxar, however, stood out with a reading of 121—placing it in the ‘moderate’ category and signaling a need for caution, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
The CPCB defines AQI using a scale from 0 to 500, with scores above 200 classified as ‘poor’ or worse. Prolonged exposure to such levels can increase the risk of respiratory illness and cardiovascular issues, even in healthy individuals.
The AQI is calculated based on eight pollutants, with PM2.5—a fine particulate matter under 2.5 microns in diameter—remaining the primary concern in urban Bihar. These tiny particles are particularly hazardous, as they can lodge deep in the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, contributing to chronic respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and developmental issues in children.
