Patna: The air quality across Bihar deteriorated sharply on Monday, with ten cities recording pollution levels in the ‘poor’ category for the second consecutive day. Patna, Ara, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Bihar Sharif, Buxar, Chhapra, Hajipur, Munger and Rajgir all reported AQI readings that raised public health concerns.
Samanpura in Patna registered an AQI of 335, placing it in the red zone and making it one of the worst-affected areas. Munger recorded an AQI of 276, among the most polluted in the state. At the other end of the spectrum, Samastipur reported the cleanest air with an AQI of 93, the only district to fall in the ‘good’ category.
Within Patna, pollution levels varied significantly: Danapur recorded an AQI of 225, Taramandal 274, Muradpur 198 and Rajvanshi Nagar 179. Meteorologists said the combination of falling temperatures, increased air density and stagnant wind movement during winter is trapping pollutants closer to the surface, creating smog-like conditions across urban centres.
They added that Bihar’s geographical structure, particularly its loose soil composition, also contributes to the rise in airborne dust particles. Cold air tends to sink while warm air rises, causing particulate matter to settle and accumulate at ground level.
Westerly winds carrying dust from neighbouring regions, combined with ongoing construction work across cities, are further worsening local air quality. Municipal bodies have increased water sprinkling on major roads, though the impact has been uneven.
