Patna: Bihar’s air quality has plummeted to hazardous levels, surpassing even the pollution in the national capital, Delhi. On Tuesday, Hajipur recorded the worst Air Quality Index (AQI) in the state at a staggering 437, falling into the “very bad” category. In comparison, Delhi’s AQI stood at 337. The spike in pollution is largely attributed to ongoing road construction work in Hajipur, where environmental standards are reportedly being ignored.
In the last 24 hours, Patna’s AQI reached 339, followed by Rajgir at 307, Saharsa at 334, and Bettiah at 299. Other cities, including Muzaffarpur (298), Araria (244), Samastipur (232), Purnia (222), Gaya (218), Begusarai (212), and Bihar Sharif (208), also recorded concerning AQI levels.
What is AQI?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool used to measure the cleanliness and purity of the air. It gauges the concentration of five major pollutants: ground-level ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. AQI levels between 0 and 50 are considered “good,” while readings above 300 are classified as “hazardous.”
A study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) revealed that more than 2.1 million people die annually in India due to air pollution. In 2023 alone, air pollution claimed around 2.18 million lives, placing India second only to China in pollution-related deaths.
Researchers from Berkeley, California, have developed an online calculator to compare air pollution exposure with smoking. According to their findings, breathing in air with an AQI of 64 for 24 hours is equivalent to smoking one cigarette. With AQI levels in Bihar crossing 250, residents are effectively inhaling air as harmful as smoking several cigarettes a day.
To protect children from harmful air, experts recommend reducing outdoor activities, especially when AQI levels are high. Installing air purifiers indoors, keeping doors and windows closed, and encouraging indoor games can help. Planting air-purifying plants inside the home can also improve indoor air quality.
Dr. Rana SP Singh suggests dietary changes to boost immunity and combat the effects of pollution. He recommends drinking warm water, consuming a glass of lukewarm milk daily, eating vitamin C-rich foods like gooseberries and oranges, and incorporating ginger and black pepper into the diet. Green leafy vegetables, nuts like almonds and walnuts, and jaggery are also beneficial for maintaining respiratory health.
Weather Update: Cooler Days Ahead for Bihar
The weather across Bihar is expected to remain stable today, with temperatures ranging from 30 to 32 degrees Celsius. Minimum temperatures are forecast to hover between 20 and 21 degrees Celsius. According to meteorologist SK Patel, westerly winds are now flowing into the state, and cooler temperatures will gradually be felt over the next few days. The wind speed is expected to increase soon, leading to a noticeable drop in temperatures.
Madhubani and Begusarai were the hottest districts in the last 24 hours, while Rohtas and Motihari recorded the lowest temperatures. The data was released by the Meteorological Department, which is closely monitoring the situation.
