Before Diwali, the air quality of most cities of Bihar including Patna is in poor condition due to pollution. Patna has been included among the most polluted cities of the state. On Friday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Patna was recorded at more than 320, which falls in the serious category and is very dangerous for health. Due to this pollution, people are having respiratory problems. Apart from Patna, pollution is also at dangerous level in Muzaffarpur, Purnia, Gaya, Chhapra, Bhagalpur, Samastipur, Motihari and Katihar.
AQI beyond 300
The air quality index has crossed 300 in most cities of the state. In such a situation, necessary steps are also being taken by the district administration to control air pollution. For this, instructions have been given to sprinkle water on the roads and clean them. Along with this, it has been made mandatory to use green sheets at the construction site.
Problems increased due to increase in PM 2.5 level
Doctors say that due to increased pollution, people should go out of the house only wearing masks. Due to increase in carbon monoxide in the air, PM 2.5 level has increased, which can cause burning sensation in the eyes. Increase in PM 2.5 level causes more harm to patients suffering from asthma, allergy, heart disease and other diseases.
AQI level may worsen in future
Air pollution experts say that if the dust particles on the roads are not cleaned and the operation of vehicles is not reduced, then the AQI level may worsen in the future. Due to fog, dust particles flying on the road and smoke coming from vehicles are hovering only at 150-200 feet from the ground.
Pollution situation in cities
Patna: 320, Muzaffarpur: 262, Gaya: 182, Bhagalpur: 284, Purnia: 397, Saharsa: 321, Katihar: 345, Saran: 319, Motihari: 288.
air pollution standards
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Air quality index ranging from zero to 50 represents a better environment.
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Air quality index 51 to 100 indicates a satisfactory environment.
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Air quality index 101-200 indicates moderate air pollution
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Air Quality Index 201-300 indicates poor air quality
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Air quality index 301-400 indicates very poor condition
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Air quality index 401- 500 indicates very serious condition of the environment.
What is AQI?
Air Quality Index (AQI) is used to measure the quality of air in the environment. AQI helps people to know what the quality of air is at a place and how clean the air is. This index also helps in knowing how local air quality affects one’s health. This index also works to alert about pollution in the city.
Patna Municipal Corporation’s preparation to reduce pollution
To reduce the amount of air pollution and maintain air quality in the city, Patna Municipal Corporation will impose fine on such buildings which violate building bylaws. For this, the Municipal Corporation has prepared 25 teams which will go to all the wards and investigate. These also include headquarters and zonal level engineers. It is noteworthy that many times construction material is kept on the road which increases pollution. It is mandatory to use green colored cloth during construction in buildings, but in many areas it is being seen that buildings are being constructed without covering them. In such a situation, air pollution spreads rapidly. To stop this, the team of Patna Municipal Corporation will go to all the wards simultaneously. If private buildings as well as government departments are constructed without covering, then their contractors will also be fined. It is noteworthy that Patna Municipal Corporation had given 48 hours time to all the private and government agencies to remove the construction material from the road and get the buildings constructed by surrounding them with green belt.