Patna: Air quality deteriorated across seven cities in Bihar on Friday, pushing them into the Central Pollution Control Board’s orange zone, with average Air Quality Index (AQI) levels ranging between 200 and 300. The affected cities include Patna, Ara, Bihar Sharif, Hajipur, Rajgir and Samastipur.
An AQI in this range is classified as “poor”, meaning the air is unhealthy for prolonged exposure and can affect people with respiratory or cardiac conditions, as well as children and older adults.
Patna sees sharp variations across neighbourhoods
Patna recorded an average AQI of 217, but readings varied widely across the city. The Veterinary Ground area registered an AQI of 343, crossing into the “very poor” category. Levels were also high around the Secretariat (253), Taramandal (254) and Danapur (202). Gandhi Maidan recorded a relatively lower AQI of 163, while Patna City fared better at 90.
Officials attributed the decline in air quality to a rise in dust particles in the atmosphere. Concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 — fine particulate matter known to penetrate deep into the lungs — were measured at more than three times the prescribed safety limits in several areas.
AQI readings in affected cities
- Patna: 217
- Ara: 266
- Bihar Sharif: 261
- Hajipur: 229
- Rajgir: 261
- Samastipur: 258
Doctors urge precautions
General physician Dr Diwakar Tejaswi warned that air becomes “dangerously polluted” once AQI levels cross 300. “People may experience eye irritation when outdoors. Lung and heart patients, children and pregnant women are at the greatest risk,” he said.
Doctors have advised residents to limit outdoor activity, especially during early mornings and evenings, and to wear masks if stepping outside is unavoidable.
Environmental experts said continued monitoring and local measures to control dust and emissions would be crucial as winter conditions often trap pollutants close to the ground, worsening air quality further.
