Patna, Nov 9 (PTI) Air quality in seven cities across Bihar deteriorated to the “poor” category on Monday, a day after Diwali celebrations, with Hajipur and Bettiah emerging as the state’s most polluted cities, officials said on Monday.
Hajipur recorded the worst air quality in Bihar, with an AQI of 335, falling in the “very poor” category. Bettiah followed with an AQI (Air Quality Index) of 304, placing it in the same category.
The data was released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) earlier in the day.
According to experts, the air quality dipped to the “poor” category on Monday in certain cities due to low wind speed.
Seven cities where the AQI was recorded in the “poor” category on Monday included Arrah (290), Muzaffarpur (286), Patna (280), Siwan (256), Begusarai (228), Madhubani (212) and Buxar (202).
The AQI is an assessment of the air quality taking into account eight pollutants – PM 2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 microns), PM 10 (particulate matter less than 10 microns), nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, ammonia and lead.
Neeraj Narayan, member secretary, Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB), had told PTI on Monday, “The air quality deteriorated in certain cities in the state. But, this situation is not abnormal. The air quality is better this time compared to previous year’s data. This has happened because of the strict enforcement of rules pertaining to curbing air pollution.”
“The air quality dipped to the ‘poor’ category in some cities due to low wind speed. The BSPCB is taking all possible measures to ensure that people get clean air in the city,” he added. PTI PKD RBT
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