Patna: Air quality worsened across much of Bihar on Tuesday, with Hajipur and Chhapra emerging as the most polluted cities in the state, according to official air quality index (AQI) data.
Officials attributed the deteriorating air quality largely to construction activity, dust from roads and increased vehicular movement.
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🌫️ Chhapra tops pollution list — AQI touched 249, placing the city in the poor air quality category.
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🚨 Hajipur close behind — AQI of 209, also classified as poor.
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🏙️ Patna remains moderately polluted — the state capital recorded an average AQI of 177.
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📍 Air quality varies within Patna — Gandhi Maidan (211), Samanpura (154), Rajvanshi Nagar (139), Patna City (132).
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🚚 Danapur under watch — sand-laden trucks and construction norm violations raised PM10 and PM2.5 levels.
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🌿 Cleanest air in Bihar — Samastipur recorded an AQI of 46, falling in the good category.
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🍃 Relatively cleaner cities — Purnia (73), Bhagalpur (82), Ara (85), Bettiah (91), Saharsa (93).
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⚠️ Moderate pollution elsewhere — Begusarai (171), Bihar Sharif (166), Kishanganj (177), Muzaffarpur (141), Gaya (138), Rajgir (132).
| Air Quality Category | AQI Range |
|---|---|
| Good | 0–50 |
| Satisfactory | 51–100 |
| Moderate | 101–200 |
| Poor | 201–300 |
| Very Poor | 301–400 |
| Severe | 401–450 |
Under India’s air quality standards, AQI values between 0 and 50 are considered good, while readings above 200 are categorised as poor and may pose health risks, particularly for children, older adults and those with respiratory conditions.
