Patna: A spell of thunderstorms and rainfall over the past two days has significantly improved air quality in Patna and several cities across Bihar, with many locations now reporting “satisfactory” conditions, according to data from the Bihar State Pollution Control Board.
Eight cities—including Patna, Katihar, Ara, Bhagalpur, Bihar Sharif, Gaya, Hajipur and Purnia—recorded air quality in the “satisfactory” category. Meanwhile, Kishanganj, Araria and Rajgir reported “clean” air, with Kishanganj registering the lowest Air Quality Index (AQI) in the state at 33.
In the capital, the average AQI stood at 83. Readings varied across monitoring stations, with Danapur recording 62, Gandhi Maidan 112, Rajvanshi Nagar 48 and Samanpura 91, reflecting localised fluctuations in pollution levels.
Other cities also saw relatively low AQI levels: Araria recorded 38, Rajgir 42 and Purnia 51. Officials said such improvements are closely linked to recent weather conditions, as rainfall and wind activity help disperse particulate matter.
However, authorities cautioned that Bihar remains vulnerable to pollution spikes due to its geographical and meteorological characteristics. Winds travelling from neighbouring regions such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana often carry pollutants into the state. Once they arrive, relatively low wind speeds and the state’s topography can cause pollutants to stagnate, leading to sudden increases in AQI levels.
Despite these structural challenges, current conditions are expected to keep air quality within the “satisfactory” range in the short term.
AQI categories
- Good: 0–50
- Satisfactory: 51–100
- Moderately polluted: 101–200
- Poor: 201–300
- Very poor: 301–400
- Severe: 401–450
Air quality in major cities
| City | Air Quality Index (AQI) |
| Munger | 90 |
| Katihar | 89 |
| Patna | 83 |
| Muzaffarpur | 75 |
| Hajipur | 74 |
| Gaya | 72 |
| Bhagalpur | 71 |
| Bihar Sharif | 63 |
| Ara | 54 |
