Patna: As several cities in Bihar confront a sharp decline in air quality, the state pollution control board has urged district administrations to rigorously implement laws to combat air pollution.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) daily Air Quality Index (AQI) bulletin for 243 cities in the country (as of November 11 at 4 pm), Begusarai topped the list with an AQI of 382, closely trailed by Saran at 376 and Patna at 375.
Other districts in Bihar experiencing "very poor" air quality included Hajipur (356), Purnea (350), Katihar (350), Motihari (341), Bhagalpur (340), Rajgir (329), and Arrah (323).
The AQI assesses air quality by considering eight pollutants: PM 2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 microns), PM 10 (particulate matter less than 10 microns), nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, ammonia, and lead. An AQI exceeding 300 is classified as "very poor," causing respiratory issues upon prolonged exposure, as per the CPCB.
Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) Chairman, Devendra Kumar Shukla, acknowledged the deterioration of air quality, attributing it partly to climatic conditions.
He said, "It is true that the air quality has deteriorated in several districts in the state. It is because of climatic conditions also... as a large part of the state has not received rainfall in the last two-three days. Despite that, we have given instructions to the concerned district administrations to strictly enforce laws to check air pollution in their respective areas."
Shukla further highlighted the proactive measures taken, stating, "All concerned District Magistrates have also been asked to identify hotspots in their respective districts."
"In a recent meeting, the chief secretary also directed all concerned towards the constitution of special squads for the identification of hotspots, particularly areas of construction activities, waste management including transportation of building materials, waste dumping and burning, traffic congestion hotspots, agricultural stubble burning besides dry road sweeping and water sprinkling and dry leaf burning," he added.