Diwali Aftermath: Air Quality in Bihar Cities Drops to 'Poor'

Post-Diwali festivities, air quality in Patna and six other cities in Bihar plummeted to 'poor' levels. Despite the decline, officials noted improvement from the previous year. Noise levels during Diwali also exceeded standard limits. Experts cite low wind speed as a contributing factor to the declining air quality.

Following Diwali celebrations, the air quality in Patna and six neighboring cities plunged into the 'poor' category, authorities reported. The affected cities include Hajipur, Saharsa, Samastipur, Araria, Purnea, and Begusarai, with Hajipur recording the worst AQI at 291.

Bihar State Pollution Control Board chairperson Devendra Kumar Shukla stated that while the air quality has declined, it is not as severe as in previous years. He cited last year's post-Diwali AQI in Patna at 230, despite restrictions on firecrackers, as a comparison. Additionally, noise pollution exceeded acceptable levels on Diwali night.

Experts point to low wind speed as a key factor contributing to the poor air quality across these cities. The Air Quality Index measures pollutants like PM 2.5, nitrogen oxides, and ammonia, with scores between 201 and 300 classified as 'poor', potentially causing discomfort during prolonged exposure.

(With inputs from agencies.)