Patna: A review meeting on pollution control issues in Bihar was held at the Aranya Bhawan auditorium under the chairmanship of Dr. Prem Kumar, Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Chief Wildlife Warden, members of the Bihar State Pollution Control Board, and other regional and divisional officers through video conferencing.
During the meeting, the minister highlighted the serious challenges posed by air, water, and noise pollution in cities like Patna. He noted that factors such as the sandy northern region of Patna and the light soil on the Ganga banks contribute significantly to air pollution, especially during the winter months of December and January. High humidity exacerbates the issue, creating layers of dust particles that improve only with increased wind speed or rainfall.
The minister discussed various measures to control pollution. The use of coal, furnace oil, and wood in industrial units has been banned, with CNG, PNG, and LNG mandated for industries connected to the PNG pipeline. He also stated that fines have been imposed on over 5,000 construction agencies found guilty of spreading pollution, with more than Rs 10 lakh collected in penalties by the Patna Municipal Corporation.
Vehicle pollution was identified as a significant contributor, with older tempos and buses being phased out in favor of CNG-operated vehicles. Diesel school vehicles are also being transitioned to CNG. To address road dust, the Municipal Corporation has initiated water spraying through tankers.
Efforts to curb stubble burning have also intensified, with 192 farmers being denied government grants as a deterrent. Single-use plastic bans have been reinforced, and illegal brick kilns operating across the state will face immediate action, with a list being prepared for enforcement by district officers.
The minister emphasized that while 70% of Bihar’s air pollution is weather-based, the remaining 30% is man-made, originating from vehicles, factories, garbage burning, and household emissions. He stated that efforts to control man-made pollution, including fines against violators, have shown success. Public awareness campaigns via newspapers, handbills, and hoardings are being undertaken, and a helpline (7070379278) has been issued for citizens to report pollution-related issues.
Appreciating the Bihar State Pollution Control Board’s efforts, the minister directed the timely completion of pending projects and stressed continuous monitoring of air quality in key cities such as Patna, Gaya, and Muzaffarpur to maintain standards. He also urged for increased public participation in environmental beautification and pollution control initiatives.
