Patna: With Diwali set to be celebrated across Patna tomorrow, October 20, 2025, the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) is now fully immersed in its intensive, two-week environmental monitoring drive.
The extensive campaign, which began on October 13 and will continue until October 27, 2025, is designed to capture the environmental impact of the festival across a 15-day window: seven days before, the day of the festival, and seven days following. The core focus remains on meticulously tracking ambient air quality (AAQ) and ambient noise levels throughout the city.
Current Status: Air Quality Tracking
Ambient air quality monitoring is currently active at four distinct locations, encompassing diverse zones from residential to industrial areas. This continuous surveillance will track various pollutants, with the ultimate aim of comparing pre-festival and post-festival pollution levels.
Monitoring sites for ambient air quality are:
- Near Boring Road Chauraha, Patna
- Beltron Building Complex, Shastri Nagar, Patna
- Parivesh Bhawan Complex, Patliputra Industrial Area, Patna
- Zoological Survey of India Campus, Kankarbagh, Patna
All samples collected from these sites are currently being prepared for detailed analysis at the BSPCB’s Central Laboratory.
Noise Monitoring Campaign Concluded, Focus Shifts to Diwali Night
The BSPCB has already completed its initial noise level monitoring. The first intensive noise level recording was successfully conducted on October 14, 2025.
Additionally, the comprehensive ambient noise level testing campaign across the Patna Municipal Corporation area, which ran from October 14, 2025, to October 17, 2025, has been concluded. Data was collected from a total of 13 critical and high-traffic areas, ensuring a broad assessment of the city’s baseline noise environment.
Tomorrow’s Critical Monitoring
The most significant phase of noise monitoring is scheduled for tomorrow, October 20, 2025 (Diwali day), when noise levels are expected to peak. Surveillance will run for a six-hour window, from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM, to capture the maximum impact of firecracker use.
Collaboration with Students
The BSPCB’s noise monitoring efforts are supported by local students. Students from the Government Girls College, Gardanibagh, assisted the Board in collecting accurate noise level data during the ambient noise testing campaign held last week.
The ongoing monitoring effort provides the BSPCB with the necessary scientific evidence to assess adherence to environmental regulations and to formulate future pollution control strategies for the annual Festival of Lights.
