Patna: Air pollution levels worsened across large parts of Bihar on Thursday, with 19 cities recording poor or moderate air quality amid a spell of cold and fog. Patna City, however, reported a comparatively satisfactory Air Quality Index (AQI), offering rare relief in an otherwise worrying trend.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the most polluted location in the capital was Samnapura, which reported an AQI of 259 — categorised as “poor”. In contrast, Shikarpur in Patna City recorded the lowest AQI in the state at 80, placing it in the “satisfactory” band.
Across the capital, pollution levels varied significantly: Danapur recorded an AQI of 238, Taramandal 159, Muradpur 116, and Rajvanshi Nagar 174. Authorities said the overall air quality across the state was “concerning” and warned of health impacts, particularly for vulnerable groups.
A similar pattern played out across other urban centres, with towns such as Araria, Ara, Aurangabad, Begusarai, Bettiah, Bhagalpur, Bihar Sharif, Buxar, Chhapra, Gaya, Hajipur, Kishanganj, Motihari, Munger, Muzaffarpur, Rajgir, Saharsa and Sasaram reporting moderate to poor air quality. Munger recorded one of the highest AQI levels at 194.
Officials and environmental experts attributed the spike to low winter temperatures, which increase air density and trap pollutants close to the ground. The resulting haze — a mix of fog, particulate matter and harmful gases — often fluctuates with changes in temperature and wind movement. Dust carried by westerly winds and emissions from construction activities have also contributed to the decline in air quality.
AQI levels in key cities
| City | AQI | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Munger | 194 | Very Poor |
| Rajgir | 188 | Poor |
| Buxar | 181 | Poor |
| Chhapra | 181 | Poor |
| Araria | 178 | Poor |
| Patna | 171 | Poor |
| Saharsa | 169 | Poor |
| Ara | 168 | Poor |
| Sasaram | 167 | Poor |
| Bihar Sharif | 139 | Moderate |
| Hajipur | 137 | Moderate |
| Gaya | 137 | Moderate |
| Bettiah | 136 | Moderate |
| Motihari | 135 | Moderate |
| Muzaffarpur | 130 | Moderate |
| Bhagalpur | 115 | Moderate |
| Kishanganj | 109 | Satisfactory |
| Aurangabad | 105 | Satisfactory |
| Begusarai | 104 | Satisfactory |
Under India’s AQI scale, values between 201 and 300 are considered “poor” and can cause respiratory discomfort during prolonged exposure. Levels between 101 and 200 are classified as “moderately polluted”, posing risks to sensitive groups, while readings between 51 and 100 fall into the “satisfactory” band.
Health officials advised residents in affected areas to limit outdoor activities, use masks, and avoid early morning exposure when pollutant accumulation is highest.
