Arrah: Air pollution in Bihar has become a serious concern, with Arrah, the district headquarters of Bhojpur, recording the worst air quality in the state. On Sunday, Arrah’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 312, which falls under the “very poor” category. This marked a sudden rise of 78 points in just one day. Over the past week, pollution levels in the city had been steadily increasing, but Sunday’s reading showed a sharp deterioration, making the situation especially worrying for residents.
When compared with other districts, Arrah’s air quality was far worse. Siwan recorded an AQI of 229, Hajipur 223, and Buxar 215, all of which are considered poor. Patna also reported unhealthy air with an AQI of 206, while Rajgir stood at 193. In contrast, Munger had the cleanest air in the state on the same day, with an AQI of 104. Araria also recorded relatively better air quality at 109. However, experts say even these levels are not completely safe, especially for people with health problems.
Doctors and health experts warn that an AQI above 300 can be dangerous for everyone, regardless of age. Breathing such polluted air can cause irritation in the eyes, coughing, headaches and difficulty in breathing. It can also worsen existing heart and lung diseases. People suffering from asthma, heart conditions and lung problems are at greater risk. Children and elderly people also need extra care, as their bodies are more sensitive to polluted air.
In view of the rising pollution, the administration and health department have appealed to people to be careful. Residents have been advised to avoid going outdoors unless necessary and to postpone morning and evening walks. People are also being encouraged to wear masks, keep doors and windows closed at home and avoid physical exertion outdoors. The authorities have further urged citizens not to burn garbage in the open and to use public transport instead of private vehicles wherever possible.
Officials have also stressed the need for strict dust control at construction sites to reduce pollution. They warned that if there is no change in weather conditions and wind speed does not increase in the coming days, air quality could deteriorate further. The situation in Arrah has highlighted the urgent need for strong administrative action and public awareness, as continued inaction could have serious consequences for public health across the state.
