Patna: Bihar has overtaken Delhi in pollution rankings with five of its cities included in India’s top ten most polluted. According to a report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), Burnihat on the Assam-Meghalaya border is the most polluted city, while Delhi ranks second. The list also includes Hajipur, Sasaram, Patna, and Rajgir from Bihar.
The report analysed air quality data from the first half of 2025 in 293 cities. Out of these, 239 cities had PM 2.5 data available for most days. It found that 122 cities recorded pollution levels above India’s safety limit of 40 micrograms per cubic metre, while all 239 cities crossed the World Health Organization’s stricter limit of 5 micrograms per cubic metre.
Burnihat had an average PM 2.5 level of 133 micrograms per cubic metre, keeping its air in the ‘very poor’ category on most days. Experts said simply banning old vehicles will not solve pollution problems in Delhi or any other city. Measures like controlling construction dust and industrial pollution are equally important.
The report also mentioned studies by IIT Delhi and PRAN, which stress that cities need clear plans to control pollution from its main sources. Without serious action, pollution levels in Bihar and other states will continue to harm people’s health and quality of life.
