On​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ December 10, Patna records worse air quality than Delhi, with an AQI of 335. This value was even higher than that of New Delhi, where the AQI was 326 at the same time. What makes this especially alarming is that, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards, an AQI of 335 falls under the “severe” category, indicating a situation that is even unhealthy for persons in good health.

What’s Causing the Surge in Pollution

The authorities have identified a number of factors that, in combination, are responsible for the deteriorating air quality. A recent insight from the state pollution control board reveals that the Ganga River, which is changing its course away from Patna, has impacted the city’s airflow in such a way that the pollutants are not dispersing but accumulating locally.

Moreover, the deliberate burning of biomass at the city’s outskirts, the practice of large‑scale construction, the quality of the soil and the dust, as well as emissions from vehicles, have been the main contributors to the rise in pollution levels.

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Health Impact and the Burden on Local Healthcare

Health specialists and doctors based in Patna have observed a significant increase in the patients complaining of respiratory problems, chest infections, shortness of breath, and allergies since the beginning of December.

The symptoms mentioned are highly correlated with bad air quality. Vulnerable groups include children, the elderly, and those with pre‑existing medical conditions. Medical facilities in the entire city, including the major hospitals, have been witnessing a rise in the inflow of patients with such complaints during the last week.

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Administrative Response: Dust Control, Water‑Sprinkling & Alerts

The local administration has initiated several measures to reduce air pollution in response to the crisis. The main roads in Patna are being regularly water‑sprinkled to keep the dust down. To lessen the release of dust from construction activities, permission has also been granted for covering the under‑construction buildings, and there have been appeals to do so.

On the other hand, areas such as Samanpura – which had the severest AQI in the city – have been declared “red zones”. This designation shows the seriousness of air pollution that can be found there. Patna records worse air quality than Delhi on December 10, actually pointing to a very worrying trend: the cities that used to be the main hotspots of the air-quality problems are not the only ones anymore.

While the city is struggling with a dangerous mixture of dust, smoke, and changing geography, the residents are exposed to serious health risks, and therefore, taking urgent and sustained measures to stop the decline is the only way ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌out.

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