Post-Diwali Air Quality Concerns Emerge in Bihar's Major Cities

Air quality in seven major cities of Bihar, including Patna, declined to the 'poor' category post-Diwali, as revealed by the CPCB. Despite improvements from last year, pollution levels raised health concerns. Officials highlighted enforcement of anti-pollution rules, but wind speed and firecrackers contributed to the dip.

In the aftermath of Diwali celebrations, the air quality in Patna and six other significant cities in Bihar plummeted to the 'poor' category, according to officials. The cities affected include Patna, Hajipur, Saharsa, Samastipur, Araria, Purnea, and Begusarai.

The Central Pollution Control Board's daily Air Quality Index (AQI) bulletin, dated October 21, listed Hajipur as the city with the worst air quality, recording an AQI of 291. Various factors, such as low wind speed, were cited as contributors to the pollution levels which posed health risks with prolonged exposure.

Despite a ban on firecrackers, Bihar State Pollution Control Board Chairman Devendra Kumar Shukla noted that this year's air quality is better compared to last year's post-Diwali figures. He emphasized the stricter enforcement of pollution control measures and highlighted that noise pollution in Patna also exceeded recommended limits during the festival.

(With inputs from agencies.)