Patna, Bihar, India (AP) Patna, the capital city of Bihar, ranked as the second most polluted city in India on Sunday, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 316, a level classified as'very poor'.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) bulletin at 4 p.m., Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh claimed the top spot as the most polluted city in the country, with an AQI of 346.
Other cities in Bihar also grappled with poor air quality, with Siwan recording an AQI of 282, Muzaffarpur at 233, Hajipur at 232, and Bettiah at 221.
The'very poor' air quality category, according to the CPCB, poses significant health risks, particularly causing respiratory illnesses upon prolonged exposure. The AQI considers various pollutants, including PM 2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 microns) and PM 10.
Devendra Kumar Shukla, Chairman of the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB), attributed the deteriorating air quality to multiple factors. He cited low wind speeds, ongoing construction activities lacking pollution control measures, and recent fire incidents in Patna and its surrounding areas as contributing factors.
To combat the escalating pollution levels, Shukla emphasised the immediate need for civic bodies to initiate measures such as sprinkling water to mitigate the deteriorating AQI in Patna.
He expressed optimism that rainfall would provide some relief and announced plans for the BSPCB to intensify its efforts to monitor and address AQI levels across various cities in the state.
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