With a drop in temperature, the air quality in Patna is approaching an alarming level as the city recorded poor air quality on both Monday and Tuesday.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) bulletin, Patna’s general air quality index (AQI), based on six monitoring stations throughout the city, stood at 292, which was classified as poor.
Of the six monitoring stations, Danapur recorded the worst air quality with an AQI of 412 which fell into the severe category, followed by IGSC Planetarium Complex which recorded very poor air quality with an AQI of 331. While Muradpur,. The Rajbanshi Nagar, Samanpura and Shikarpur air monitoring stations recorded an AQI between 240 and 280, all in the poor category.
Muzaffarpur also recorded poor air quality with an index of 261, while Gaya recorded moderate air quality with an AQI of 152.
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On Monday, Patna’s air quality remained poor with an AQI of 252 that was moderate through Sunday.
To regulate air pollution during winters, the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) has taken several initiatives that will produce desirable results for years to come.
Control board officials said the deterioration in air quality is related to the fall in mercury. Patna recorded a high temperature of 27.2 degrees Celsius and a low temperature of 10 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.
BSPCB President Ashok Ghosh said: “When the temperature drops, dust particles rise up along with the winds, making the air quality comparatively worse. Air quality begins to deteriorate during the rainy season and peaks during winter every year. Furthermore, geographical factors are also responsible for the worsening of air quality, as Patna is located near the Ganges plain where alluvial soil is abundant. During winters, soil particles rise and contribute to air pollution ”.
“We have introduced eco-friendly technology in 60% brick kilns to reduce the emission of dangerous gases. In the next two years, we hope to reach the 100% target. In addition, we are also working on concrete kuchcha pavements, ”added Ghosh.
Meanwhile, the city’s environmentalist called on residents not to pop the cookies in the ongoing wedding season to prevent further deterioration in air quality. Ramapati Kumar, executive director of the Center for Environmental and Energy Development (CEED), said: “Poor air quality causes respiratory diseases in prolonged exposures. With the wedding season kicking off, people are popping cookies, creating air and noise pollution. Vehicle movement and construction work have also gained momentum with the lifting of the blockade. Environmental pollution cannot be reduced without the active participation of the public. Wearing a mask is the only way to avoid inhaling toxic pollutants. “
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