In a concerning revelation by the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), 19 cities in Bihar, including Begusarai, Chapra, and Patna, have found a place among the top 50 most polluted cities in the country. Shockingly, Begusarai, Chapra, and Patna rank among the top 10 most polluted cities, with pollution levels reaching 265, 212, and 212 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively.
A detailed report, based on extensive research by CREA, highlights the urgent need for both state and central governments to address air pollution control measures in Bihar. According to the January 2024 Air Quality Snapshot by CREA, Delhi holds the top spot for air pollution nationwide, while Bhagalpur and Saharsa claim the second and third positions.
Bhagalpur Tops the List 28 Times
The report reveals that 11 cities in Bihar featured at least once in the list of the top 10 most polluted cities in January 2024. Bhagalpur ranked the highest, appearing 28 times, followed by Saharsa (21 times), Chapra (13 times), Rajgir (8 times), Araria (7 times), Ara (6 times), Patna (4 times), Kishanganj (1 time), Purnia (1 time), Samastipur (1 time), and Muzaffarpur (1 time). Sasaram stands out as the city with the cleanest air.
Majority of Cities Face Alarming Air Quality
In 2023, 16 out of these 23 cities experienced air quality that was subpar on nearly 90% of the days compared to World Health Organization standards. Additionally, 11 cities had air quality worse than national standards for 70% of the days. Only Sasaram and Munger maintained satisfactory air quality for 50% of the days during the past year.
National Clean Air Program Falls Short
Over the past year, air quality remained consistently poor in all 23 cities for a total of 346 days. Alarmingly, 20 out of these 23 cities remain excluded from the National Clean Air Program, reflecting a significant failure to achieve the program’s objectives.
Global Health Standards Exceeded
In 2023, 16 of these 23 cities experienced poor air quality for nearly 90% of the days compared to World Health Organization standards. Among them, 11 cities had air quality below national standards for 70% of the days. Only Sasaram and Munger (located in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve) maintained acceptable air quality for 50% of the days in the past year. The alarming data emphasizes the urgent need for stringent measures to curb air pollution in Bihar.
