Muzaffarpur Declared India’s Most Polluted City with AQI of 306

KKN Gurugram Desk |  On Saturday, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, emerged as the most polluted city in India, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 306, falling into the ‘very poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. Muzaffarpur was the only city in the country to record such alarming pollution levels for the day. The primary pollutant in the city was particulate matter (PM) 2.5, which poses significant health risks.

This declaration was made based on the average AQI readings from the city’s three monitoring stations. Surprisingly, no other city in Bihar made it to the list of the top 10 most polluted places in India, highlighting Muzaffarpur’s distinct air quality challenges.

Muzaffarpur’s Alarming Air Quality

The AQI level of 306 reflects ‘very poor’ air quality, which means prolonged exposure to such air can cause respiratory illnesses, especially in vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. The high concentration of PM 2.5, a fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs, makes the situation particularly concerning.

This rise in pollution could be attributed to several factors, including:

• Increased vehicular emissions.
• Open burning of waste.
• Industrial pollution in nearby areas.
• Construction dust and limited green cover in urban spaces.

Rajgir Recorded Highest AQI on Friday

Interestingly, Rajgir, another city in Bihar, held the dubious distinction of being India’s most polluted city on Friday, with an AQI of 313, also in the ‘very poor’ range. This shift between Rajgir and Muzaffarpur highlights how Bihar’s cities are struggling to manage pollution levels, posing serious environmental and public health concerns.

Delhi Records Moderate AQI for Two Consecutive Days

In a surprising contrast, Delhi, often associated with hazardous air quality, recorded an AQI of 174, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category for the second consecutive day. The AQI in Delhi was calculated based on data from 31 out of 39 monitoring stations spread across the region. This improvement in Delhi’s air quality could be attributed to factors such as:

• Favorable weather conditions, including better wind speed.
• Ongoing measures to control vehicular and industrial emissions.
• Reduction in stubble burning in neighboring states during this period.

While Delhi’s AQI remains far from ideal, its improvement compared to previous months is a positive sign and serves as a reminder that coordinated efforts can help manage pollution levels effectively.

Understanding AQI and Its Categories

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a metric used to measure and report air quality in real-time. It categorizes air quality into six levels:

• Good (0-50): Air quality poses little or no health risk.
• Satisfactory (51-100): Minor discomfort for sensitive groups.
• Moderate (101-200): Breathing discomfort for people with asthma or lung issues.
• Poor (201-300): Health effects on prolonged exposure; discomfort for most people.
• Very Poor (301-400): Serious health risks for sensitive groups and discomfort for the general population.
• Severe (401-500): Health emergencies with serious effects on health.

An AQI of 306 places Muzaffarpur firmly in the ‘very poor’ category, signifying severe health impacts on prolonged exposure.

Health Impacts of PM 2.5

The PM 2.5 pollutant, which is the primary contributor to Muzaffarpur’s poor air quality, is a mix of tiny particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter. These particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the respiratory system, causing:

• Increased risk of asthma and bronchitis.
• Reduced lung function.
• Cardiovascular issues.
• Long-term exposure can lead to chronic respiratory diseases and even premature death.

People living in areas with high PM 2.5 concentrations are advised to take precautions such as wearing masks, avoiding outdoor activities, and using air purifiers indoors.

Addressing Pollution in Muzaffarpur and Bihar

The alarming pollution levels in Muzaffarpur and other cities like Rajgir underscore the urgent need for policy interventions and public awareness campaigns. Measures that could help improve air quality include:

1. Strict Control of Vehicular Emissions: Promoting the use of public transport, electric vehicles, and carpooling can help reduce air pollution.
2. Ban on Open Waste Burning: Enforcement of strict laws to prevent the burning of plastic and other waste materials.
3. Industrial Emission Regulations: Regular monitoring and stricter compliance norms for industries in and around the city.
4. Green Cover Expansion: Planting more trees and creating urban green spaces to act as natural air purifiers.
5. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating citizens on the harmful effects of pollution and how they can contribute to reducing it.

Government Efforts to Curb Air Pollution

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and local authorities have been actively working to combat pollution by implementing measures such as:

• Monitoring air quality through a network of AQI measuring stations.
• Penalizing industries and construction sites that violate emission norms.
• Promoting clean energy solutions and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
• Encouraging the adoption of bio-decomposers to tackle stubble burning in agricultural areas.

Despite these efforts, the high AQI levels in Muzaffarpur and Rajgir highlight the need for more robust and localized solutions.

The declaration of Muzaffarpur as India’s most polluted city is a wake-up call for policymakers, environmentalists, and citizens alike. While cities like Delhi show signs of improvement, the pollution levels in smaller cities like Muzaffarpur and Rajgir indicate that air quality issues are no longer confined to metropolitan areas.

Addressing these challenges will require a combination of policy reforms, technological innovations, and community participation. Local governments must prioritize air quality management to ensure the health and well-being of their residents.

As pollution continues to pose significant risks to public health and the environment, it is imperative to act swiftly and decisively. A cleaner, healthier future for cities like Muzaffarpur is possible, but only through collective action and sustained efforts.