Patna: Patna’s air quality worsened on Wednesday as falling temperatures and stagnant winter winds pushed pollution levels higher across several neighbourhoods in the capital. Although the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) improved slightly from 196 on Tuesday to 164, pollution hotspots remained a cause for concern.
Samanpura recorded the highest AQI in Patna at 225 — firmly in the “poor” category — driven largely by ongoing construction work and inadequate road cleaning, which has left a thick layer of dust along major stretches. Statewide, the most polluted location was Hajipur, with an AQI of 187.
In contrast, Ara registered an AQI of 49, making it the cleanest among monitored locations.
Meteorologists attributed the rise in pollution to winter conditions, noting that low temperatures cause cold, dense air to settle closer to the ground. “Reduced wind speed during winter prevents pollutants from dispersing,” a weather official said. The combination of low humidity, morning fog, and haze further traps particulate matter, allowing pollutants such as PM10 and PM2.5 to remain suspended in the air for longer durations.
Local monitoring stations across Patna also reported elevated pollution levels on Wednesday:
- Danapur: 159
- Taramandal: 183
- Muradpur: 167
- Rajvanshi Nagar: 136
- Sheikhpura: 114
State of Air Pollution: Air Quality Index (AQI) of Bihar Cities
| District | AQI |
|---|---|
| Araria | 62 |
| Sasaram | 66 |
| Hajipur | 187 |
| Chhapra | 147 |
| Gaya | 147 |
| Biharsharif | 145 |
| Muzaffarpur | 134 |
| Munger | 112 |
| Bettiah | 132 |
| Bhagalpur | 116 |
| Aurangabad | 102 |
| Buxar | 113 |
Environmental experts warn that with winter intensifying, pollutant build-up is likely to worsen unless dust control measures and enforcement around construction activity are strengthened. Residents, particularly children and the elderly, have been advised to limit outdoor exposure during early mornings and late evenings when pollution levels peak.
