This story is from November 7, 2019

Patna air pollution more than five times the daily limit

Come winter and poor air quality haunts people in Patna, considered one of the most polluted cities in India. Though residents heaved a sigh of relief on Wednesday as the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the city dropped from 414 on Tuesday to 317, primarily due to higher wind speed, the respite may not last longer as Patna is infamous for poor air quality in the peak winter months of November to January. TOI tries to figure out the causes and effects of such an alarming situation in the city and what can be done to check it:
Patna air pollution more than five times the daily limit
Though residents heaved a sigh of relief on Wednesday as the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the city dropped from 414 on Tuesday to 317, primarily due to higher wind speed, the respite may not last longer as Patna is infamous for poor air quality in the peak winter months of November to January.
PATNA: Come winter and poor air quality haunts people in Patna, considered one of the most polluted cities in India. Though residents heaved a sigh of relief on Wednesday as the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the city dropped from 414 on Tuesday to 317, primarily due to higher wind speed, the respite may not last longer as Patna is infamous for poor air quality in the peak winter months of November to January.
TOI tries to figure out the causes and effects of such an alarming situation in the city and what can be done to check it:
Track the pollution level in your city
How polluted is the city air?
As per the standards of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), air in Patna has remained in the “very poor” category ever since Diwali and in “severe” category on last Sunday and Tuesday. The CPCB stipulates that “very poor” air quality can lead to respiratory illness on prolonged exposure and “severe” air quality can affect healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing diseases.
How high is air pollution over the daily limit?
Very high. The level of PM.2.5 fine particulate matter that invades the lungs and triggers respiratory diseases and cancer was measured at 309 micrograms per cubic meter in Patna on Wednesday. It was more than five times the daily limit (60 micrograms per cubic meter).
What are the factors responsible for it?
As per recent assessment by Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB), the major sources of air pollution are vehicle emission (32%), construction work (7%), brick kiln (4%), sand mining (12%), burning of garbage (7%), cooking fire (6%) and heating (10%).

Is geographical location of Patna also to be blamed?
BSPCB chairman Ashok Kumar Ghosh said it is most unlikely that air quality in Patna can come in the category of “good” or “satisfactory”. “States like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are prone to dust particles as they are situated in the Himalayan terrai region and planes of the Ganga. Around three-fourth of the soil in Bihar is alluvial, which has formed due to formation of the Himalayas. Besides, the location of Patna along the bank of Ganga also leads to formation of alluvial soil. All such factors taken together have made the soil soft and prone to formation of dust.
Are weather factors also responsible for deterioration of air quality?
According to Pradhan Parth Sarthi, secretary at Patna chapter of India Meteorological Society, meteorological factors are presently unfavourable for disbursement of pollutants. “High level of PM 2.5 (suspended particles less than 2.5 microns) or tiny soot-like particles in Patna settle in the cooler air and moisture in the lower level of atmosphere near the ground during winter. This leads to deterioration in air quality at surface level and even formation of smog. Only higher wind speed can improve the condition in such cases,” he said.
Which parts of Patna are more polluted?
Busy thoroughfares and areas with more vehicular movement. Lanes in the inner residential colonies still have comparatively cleaner air. “Places like Bailey Road and Boring Canal Road will have poor air quality as compared to residential colonies. This is basically due to fewer vehicles and their movement in the colonies. Vehicular emission is the biggest contributor to air pollution in Patna,” BSPCB chairman said.
How can people protect themselves?
Wearing a mask while on the move helps, but it isn’t effective when it comes to ultra fine particulates or gases. Experts have suggested to use N95 or N98 nasal masks, which prevent PM2.5 from being inhaled.
What can people do to reduce air pollution in the city?
According to Ghosh, small steps like ensuring proper maintenance and pollution check of vehicles, minimal use of vehicles, car pooling and plantation, including kitchen or terrace gardening as well a vermicomposting can help bring down pollution level.
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