Patna: Air quality has improved across Patna and various districts in Bihar as stronger winds helped disperse suspended pollutants, providing temporary relief from high pollution levels. Patna registered an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 151, an improvement from the previous day, while Samanpura, heavily impacted, saw its AQI decrease from 258 to 169. Kishanganj reported the cleanest air in the state with an AQI of 43, classified as ‘Good’. Conversely, Sasaram had an AQI of 151, making it the most polluted district on Tuesday, despite slight improvements in wind conditions. Officials credited the overall enhancement in air quality to increased wind speeds and changes in weather patterns.
Additionally, sprinkling operations on major roads in Patna contributed to lowering dust levels. However, experts caution that pollution levels may rise again in the coming days as surface wind speeds decline, allowing pollutants to build up once more. Most districts, including Sasaram, Araria, Ara, Bettiah, Buxar, Gaya, Hajipur, Munger, Muzaffarpur, and Rajgir, remained in the ‘Moderately Polluted’ category, while cities like Bhagalpur, Motihari, Siwan, Begusarai, and Saharsa reported ‘Satisfactory’ air quality. AQI categories are defined as follows: 0–50: Good, 51–100: Satisfactory, 101–200: Moderately Polluted, 201–300: Poor, 301–400: Very Poor, 401–450: Severe.