Patna: With winter settling over Bihar, air pollution is worsening across the state, raising health concerns. On Thursday, 14 cities recorded air quality in the ‘poor’ category, according to data from the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB).
Danapur and Gandhi Maidan in Patna, along with Ara, registered the highest levels of pollution, with Air Quality Index (AQI) readings of 227–233. Other areas of Patna, including Rajvanshi Nagar (189), Taramandal (182), Samanpura (176), and Shikarpur (174), remained in the moderate to poor range. Experts attribute the deterioration to elevated concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10).
Conversely, Kishanganj recorded the cleanest air in the state, with an AQI of 39, classified as ‘good’. Motihari, Sasaram, and Katihar reported ‘satisfactory’ air quality, with AQI readings between 88 and 92.
Officials from the BSPCB said colder temperatures increase air density, trapping pollutants closer to the ground, while low wind speeds prevent their dispersion. “The combination of construction dust, vehicle emissions, and the state’s loose soil exacerbates pollution during winter,” a board spokesperson explained.
Health experts warned that prolonged exposure to poor air quality is affecting the respiratory system, eyes, and skin. Rising cases of asthma, allergies, coughs, and shortness of breath have been reported. Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions are advised to take precautions.
The BSPCB has urged residents to limit vehicle use, control dust at construction sites, and avoid burning waste. Experts warn that without immediate action, air quality in several cities could deteriorate further in the coming days.
Air Quality Index (AQI) Highlights
Most Polluted Areas (Poor Category)
- Ara – 233
- Danapur – 227
- Gandhi Maidan – 227
Other Polluted Locations in Patna
- Rajvanshi Nagar – 189
- Taramandal – 182
- Samanpura – 176
- Shikarpur – 174
Moderately Polluted Cities
- Patna – 192
- Begusarai – 187
- Siwan – 162
- Samastipur – 155
- Muzaffarpur – 147
- Munger – 146
- Gaya – 135
- Hajipur – 131
- Saharsa – 130
- Rajgir – 127
- Buxar – 124
- Bhagalpur – 119
- Chapra – 118
Clean and Satisfactory Air
- Kishanganj – 39
- Motihari – 88
- Katihar – 88
- Sasaram – 92
AQI Categories: Good (0–50), Satisfactory (51–100), Moderately Polluted (101–200), Poor (201–300), Very Poor (301–400), Severe (401–450)
