From Patna to Hajipur, Bihar Faces Worsening Air Pollution Amid Winter Smog

Patna: Seasonal winter pollution tightened its grip on Bihar on Wednesday, with 17 cities reporting poor air quality and Hajipur emerging as the most polluted in the state. The town recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 241, categorised as very poor, driven largely by high concentrations of PM2.5.

In Patna, conditions remained firmly in the poor category, with the city’s average AQI at 152. Localised readings were even worse: Samanpura and Muradpur both recorded AQIs of 223, while the Gandhi Maidan area stood at 205, prompting complaints of dust-laden air throughout the day.

Rajgir, Samastipur and Chhapra were among the few cities that reported relatively clean air, with Chhapra recording the state’s lowest AQI of 66.

Winter conditions worsen pollution

Meteorologists said fluctuating temperatures and winter inversion layers were trapping pollutants closer to the ground. As warm air rises and cold air sinks, particulate matter remains suspended, creating persistent haze. Dust carried by westerly winds and ongoing construction activity in several cities further contributed to the pollutant load.

Experts noted that, without regular road watering and tighter dust-control measures, air quality could deteriorate further in the coming days.

Authorities have urged residents—particularly the elderly, children and those with respiratory issues—to limit outdoor activity during early mornings and evenings when pollution levels are typically at their peak.