In a concerning development, Bhagalpur has recorded the most polluted air quality index (AQI) in the country with a “severe” rating of 401. Several other cities in Bihar are also grappling with “very poor” AQI levels, including Saharsa (376), Rajgir (355), Patna (353), Chhapra (343), Ara (336), and Araria (316).
Despite a slight improvement in air quality in Patna, with a 39-notch decline from Saturday’s AQI of 353, the city’s air remains in the “very poor” category. Unfavorable weather conditions, including wind speed and direction, are expected to keep the AQI in Patna in the “very poor” zone until Sunday evening, according to the air quality early warning system.
Among the five air quality monitoring stations in the city, Samanpura recorded the highest AQI of 371, followed by Muradpur (367), Rajbanshi Nagar (301), Patna City (288), and Planetarium (233). The average concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10, key air pollutants, exceeded permissible limits, posing health risks, particularly respiratory illnesses on prolonged exposure.
While Patna experienced its first rain of the winter late Friday evening, weather forecasts predict light showers and windy conditions in the western parts of the state over the next 24 hours. The city’s minimum temperature was recorded at 15.6 degrees Celsius, and the maximum temperature reached 21.7 degrees Celsius.
