Patna: Kishanganj emerged as one of the eight most polluted cities in the country, according to the latest air quality bulletin released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Tuesday. The bulletin highlighted that Kishanganj recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 272, placing it in the “poor” category (AQI range 201-300).The poor level indicates rising air pollution that can cause health effects, particularly for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions. Prolonged exposure at this AQI may lead to breathing difficulties and aggravate existing lung or heart issues.A day earlier, Kishanganj recorded an AQI of 188.As many as 10 cities were in the moderate zone (AQI 101-200), where air quality is acceptable but may pose risks to individuals. At least 11 cities fell in the satisfactory zone (AQI 51-100), indicating generally good air quality with minimal health concerns. The state capital, Patna, recorded an AQI of 128, which was 40 notches lower than the previous day’s recording of 168.As per the CPCB’s data, Muradpur was the most polluted area in the city on Tuesday, with an AQI of 176. It was closely followed by 142 at Planetarium, 127 at Patna City, 124 at Samanpura, 111 at Rajbanshi Nagar, and 90 at DRM office-Khagaul.Devendra Kumar Shukla, chairman of the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB), provided insights into the current air quality situation across the state, attributing much of the recent spikes in Kishanganj to natural phenomena rather than purely anthropogenic sources. He said that a series of dust storms affected several areas, including Kishanganj and Araria, and other parts of the Kosi region. “The effect depends on the belt and the movement of wind,” he said.“There are some activities at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, so the AQI is a little high. The machines are very sensitive to even slight activity; they immediately record it. Efforts to mitigate dust in the area include continuous water sprinkling, which helps keep levels in check,” Shukla added.
