Stubble Burning Adds to Patna’s Pollution Crisis; Gandhi Maidan Air Quality Hits ‘Severe’ Level, AQI at 407

Patna: The air in and around Patna’s Gandhi Maidan has turned hazardous, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) spiking to 407 on Monday. This alarming level of pollution has caused discomfort for residents and visitors, with complaints of eye irritation and coughing reported among those walking in the area. Other locations in Patna also recorded poor air quality, with the AQI at Veterinary Maidan at 307 and Danapur, Patna City, and Eco Park hovering around 250.

The worsening air quality has been attributed to smoke from stubble burning in rural areas surrounding Patna. Farmers in blocks such as Naubatpur, Bihta, Vikram, Masaurhi, and Fatuha have been burning stubble in fields, a practice that intensified on Monday. Reports from Vikram block highlighted that stubble burning was visible across several villages since the early morning hours.

Farmers often burn stubble at night to evade administrative action. The smoke, combined with moisture in the air, keeps pollutants close to the ground, worsening the impact. Harmful gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane are released during the burning process, significantly damaging the environment.

Fields within a 15–20 km radius of Patna are seeing rampant stubble burning, particularly along main roads. Despite its environmental impact, the practice continues unabated due to inadequate monitoring by the Agriculture Officer, District Administration, and Pollution Control Board.

To curb the practice, authorities have lodged FIRs against 14 farmers this year. Additionally, violators face exclusion from Agriculture Department schemes for three years. The most affected districts include Patna, Rohtas, Bhojpur, Kaimur, Buxar, Nalanda, Gopalganj, Siwan, and Nawada.

The smoke and coarse particles from stubble burning are carried into the city by winds, contributing to Patna’s rising pollution levels. At Gandhi Maidan, thick dust particles are creating health hazards for nearby residents. While the AQI in Gandhi Maidan has reached a critical 407, other parts of the city are also battling high levels of pollution, intensifying health risks for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.