Patna: As fog and cold settle over Bihar, air pollution levels have surged across several districts, including the state capital. On Thursday, nine districts reported polluted air, with Hajipur registering the second-highest levels after Patna.
Patna recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 165, indicating moderately polluted air
that may cause discomfort for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. Samanpura in the capital recorded an AQI of 226, placing it in the ‘poor’ category. Other areas in Patna also saw elevated pollution: the planetarium area at 209, Muradpur 160, Danapur 175, Rajvanshi Nagar 113, and Sheikhpura 86. Hajipur’s AQI stood at 161, while Begusarai recorded the cleanest air in the state, with an AQI of 47, classified as ‘good’.
The increase in dust particles is linked to changing weather conditions and a decline in wind speed. Municipal authorities have been spraying water on roads to mitigate dust levels. Experts warn that if surface wind speeds continue to fall, pollution concentrations could rise further in the coming days.
City-wise AQI
| City | AQI Value |
| Patna | 165 |
| Hajipur | 161 |
| Sasaram | 158 |
| Ara | 154 |
| Munger | 121 |
| Muzaffarpur | 118 |
| Araria | 107 |
| Aurangabad | 102 |
| Bhagalpur | 102 |
| Gaya | 98 |
| Siwan | 98 |
| Motihari | 97 |
| Saharsa | 95 |
| Bihar Sharif | 93 |
| Bettiah | 91 |
| Chhapra | 72 |
| Samastipur | 61 |
| Begusarai | 47 |
Air Quality Index (AQI) – Health Impact Guide
| Category | AQI Value | Health Impact |
| Good | 0–50 | Air quality is good. No danger. |
| Satisfactory | 51–100 | Air is fine. Sensitive individuals should exercise mild caution. |
| Moderately Polluted | 101–200 | Sensitive individuals may experience discomfort. |
| Poor | 201–300 | Prolonged exposure may cause respiratory problems. |
| Very Poor | 301–400 | Serious health impact. Limit exposure. |
| Severe | 401–450+ | Dangerous levels. Everyone should stay indoors. |
