Bihar Diwas worsened Patna's air quality significantly

Patna's air quality has worsened due to increased traffic during the celebration of Bihar Diwas. The pollution level at the Gandhi Maidan has risen, with the air quality index (AQI) at the Muradpur monitoring station reaching 194 on Sunday, up from 113 the previous day. Overall, Patna's AQI settled at 134, falling into the 'moderate' category. This level can lead to breathing problems for individuals with lung or heart conditions. The main pollutant in the air is PM10, small particles that can come from vehicles, industry, construction dust, and burning biomass. Pollution levels varied across the city. The DRM office-Khagaul recorded 163, Samanpura 152, Patna City 129, and Planetarium 106, all in the moderate range. Only Rajbanshi Nagar had satisfactory air quality at 84. Devendra Kumar Shukla, Chairman of the Bihar State Pollution Control Board, noted that the rise in vehicle density from attendees of Bihar Diwas events has increased dust levels. He suggested planting grass to help reduce dust around the Gandhi Maidan. Efforts are being made to improve the situation. Traffic police are managing traffic flow, and Patna Municipal Corporation has deployed two anti-smog guns and three water sprinklers to reduce dust. Spokesperson Sweta Bhaskar stated that water is sprayed regularly on unpaved areas to control pollution. Health experts warn that exposure to PM10 can lead to serious breathing and heart problems.