In a concerning development, Saharsa in Bihar has emerged as the city with the most severe air quality in the country, registering an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 421, falling under the “severe” category. This revelation comes amidst a broader air pollution crisis in Bihar, where ten other cities are grappling with “very poor” air quality, indicating potential health hazards for residents.
Air Quality Index Analysis
The Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) daily bulletin highlighted that Patna, the capital city, recorded a “very poor” AQI at 343. Notably, Muradpur, among the six monitoring stations in Patna, reported the highest AQI at 428, followed by Samanpura (420), DRM office-Khagaul (401), Rajbansi Nagar (361), Patna City (341), and Planetarium (107).
Other cities in Bihar experiencing “very poor” air quality include Bhagalpur (399), Rajgir (360), Chhapra (356), Kishanganj (356), Aurangabad (348), Samastipur (342), Purnia (338), Ara (336), and Biharsharif (312).
Impact on Health and Environmental Concerns
An AQI in the “very poor” range can lead to respiratory illnesses upon prolonged exposure, while “severe” air quality may have adverse effects on both healthy individuals and those with pre-existing lung or heart conditions. Additionally, concerns about environmental clearance have been raised, especially regarding the construction of the Daudhan Dam in the core area of the Panna Tiger Reserve.
Weather Forecast and Further Challenges
Weather forecasts predict dense to very dense fog in Bihar during the morning hours on January 31 and February 1. Cold day or “very cold day” conditions are expected in parts of the state over the next few days, with a projected minimum temperature decrease of 2-4 degrees Celsius starting February 2.
Furthermore, the influence of two western disturbances on February 1 and February 3 is likely to bring light to moderate rain at isolated places in Bihar (except southwest Bihar) on February 1. A brief spell of rain is anticipated in northeast and southeast Bihar on February 2.
As Bihar grapples with deteriorating air quality, urgent measures are required to address the environmental concerns and protect the well-being of residents.
Note: AQI categories include “good,” “moderate,” “poor,” “very poor,” and “severe,” reflecting different levels of air quality and associated health risks.
