Patna: Air pollution levels across Bihar surged on Sunday, with at least 14 cities reporting deteriorating air quality as winter conditions tightened their grip. Hajipur once again recorded the worst pollution levels in the state, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 208, pushing it into the “poor” category and raising fresh health concerns.
In the capital, Patna, the AQI at Muradpur reached 168, while the citywide average settled at 142, falling within the moderately polluted range. Elevated PM2.5 levels were the primary driver behind the drop in air quality. According to officials, children, the elderly and those with respiratory illnesses face heightened risks as toxic haze settles over several regions.
Wind slowdown traps pollutants
Meteorological changes and a drop in wind speed contributed significantly to the pollution spike. While Bihar has experienced relatively strong winds in recent days, experts warn that lighter winds in the coming weeks could intensify smog, leading to higher pollutant concentration.
To counter rising dust levels, municipal authorities have increased water-sprinkling operations on major roads in Patna. But environmental experts caution that such measures provide only temporary relief.
City-wise AQI levels
A breakdown of air quality across Bihar showed widespread deterioration:
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Hajipur: 208 — Poor
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Sasaram: 204 — Poor
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Ara: 193 — Moderately polluted
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Munger: 182 — Moderately polluted
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Gaya: 172 — Moderately polluted
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Rajgir: 164 — Moderately polluted
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Buxar: 161 — Moderately polluted
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Bhagalpur: 159 — Moderately polluted
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Betia: 125 — Moderately polluted
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Motihari: 113 — Moderately polluted
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Saharsa: 111 — Moderately polluted
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Begusarai: 105 — Satisfactory
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Siwan: 95 — Satisfactory
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Sheikhpura: 94 — Satisfactory
Meanwhile, Samastipur recorded the cleanest air in the state, with an AQI of just 55, categorised as satisfactory.
AQI categories
The Air Quality Index is divided into six colour-coded categories:
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0–50: Good (Green)
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51–100: Satisfactory (Light Green)
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101–200: Moderately polluted (Yellow)
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201–300: Poor (Orange)
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301–400: Very poor (Red)
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401–450: Severe (Maroon)
Rising public health concerns
With winter intensifying and air circulation expected to weaken further, health experts warn that respiratory ailments, asthma attacks and eye irritation may rise sharply if pollution levels continue to climb. The state government has urged vulnerable groups to limit outdoor exposure during peak pollution hours.
