Bihar Environment Minister Launches ‘Clean Air’ App to Combat Pollution in Patna, Gaya, and Muzaffarpur

Patna: On the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, the Bihar Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Prem Kumar, launched the ‘Clean Air Bihar’ app, aimed at enabling citizens of Patna, Gaya, and Muzaffarpur to report and address sources of air pollution.

Speaking via video conference at an event organised by the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) at Carmel Auditorium, Patna Women’s College, the minister highlighted the importance of this day for every global citizen. He reminded attendees that air pollution is a major issue worldwide, contributing to 6.5 million deaths annually, and pointed to the UN’s decision in 2020 to designate September 7 as the International Day of Clean Air.

The minister emphasised that this year’s theme, “Invest in Clean Air Now”, urges immediate action to protect one of nature’s most essential resources. Air, he said, is the only resource shared equally by all without discrimination, and its preservation is critical for all life. He further warned that deaths due to air pollution are predicted to double by 2050, and called on citizens to work towards mitigating its adverse impacts on health, the economy, agriculture, and tourism.

In his address, Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) Chairman Dr. D.K. Shukla stressed the critical importance of clean air, noting that around 8 million people worldwide are affected by the harmful effects of air pollution. Of these, 3.8 million are impacted by indoor pollution, often overlooked, while 4.2 million suffer from outdoor pollution. Dr. Shukla explained the Ambient Air Quality Index (AQI), which measures seven key pollutants, including carbon monoxide, ozone, ammonia, sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, and particulate matter (PM). While PM levels rise significantly in winter, wearing masks can mitigate their effects.

Dr. Shukla also revealed that 35 continuous air quality monitoring centres have been set up across 23 districts in Bihar, supplemented by 535 pollution sensors across administrative blocks. This has allowed the state to track AQI levels in real time. He further informed that BSPCB, in partnership with IIT Patna and IIT-BHU, is conducting detailed studies on pollution sources in Patna, Gaya, and Muzaffarpur, making Bihar the first state in India to conduct such extensive research. Initial findings suggest that 70% of air pollution in the state is caused by natural dust particles, while only 30% is due to human activities like vehicle emissions and garbage burning.

To tackle pollution, the BSPCB has facilitated the upgrade of 6,500 traditional brick kilns to cleaner technologies and encouraged industries in Patna to shift from coal to PNG (Piped Natural Gas). The state has also promoted the use of electric vehicles and mandated that school buses switch to CNG. These actions are part of Bihar’s broader strategy to transition from a linear economy to a circular economy.

The launch of the ‘Clean Air Bihar’ app, created in collaboration with A-PAG, was lauded by Sister (Dr.) M. Tanisha, a special guest at the event, who emphasised the need for collective efforts to reduce pollution and ensure a brighter, bluer sky for future generations.

S. Chandrashekhar, Member-Secretary of BSPCB, reflected on the positive impact of reduced human activity during the Covid-19 lockdown, which briefly led to clearer skies despite still failing to meet air quality standards. He reiterated the importance of public awareness and cooperation in sustaining long-term improvements. Chandrashekhar described how the Clean Air Bihar app allows residents to report pollution sources, providing detailed instructions on how to use the app to lodge complaints.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by BSPCB scientist Dr. Naveen Kumar, recognising the contributions of all participants and stakeholders.