Bihar’s air quality deteriorated sharply after Diwali, with Patna City recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 356 in the very poor category and Buxar crossing 202 on Monday, according to Bihar State Pollution Control Board monitoring data. The spike followed extensive firecracker bursting and affected several districts beyond the state capital.
The BSPCB data, recorded at 4pm on Monday, placed Patna City at the top of the state’s pollution readings. Hajipur recorded an AQI of 335, followed by Bettiah at 304, Ara at 290 and Muzaffarpur at 286. Siwan reported an AQI of 256, while Begusarai stood at 228 and Buxar at 202.
The readings show that the post-Diwali pollution increase was spread across multiple urban centres rather than being limited to Patna. Each of the districts listed in the monitoring data recorded air quality in the poor or very poor range, indicating a wider regional pollution episode.
Chest specialist Dr Shailesh Kumar Srivastava said firecrackers release fine particulate matter, including PM2.5 and PM10. These particles can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and contribute to breathing difficulties, he said. Firecrackers also release gases such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which can further worsen air pollution and affect lung health.
The health implications are particularly relevant in cities where large numbers of residents live, work and travel close to traffic corridors, commercial areas and densely built neighbourhoods. However, the source report does not provide a district-wise comparison with pre-Diwali readings or details of the duration for which the elevated AQI levels are expected to continue.
Environmental expert Raj Kumar Jha expressed concern over the rise in firecracker-related pollution and urged parents to discourage children from bursting crackers. He advised residents to minimise outdoor exposure, particularly during morning hours when pollution levels remain high.
Jha also said public participation would be necessary to address air pollution, adding that administrative measures alone would not be sufficient unless people adopted environment-friendly practices during festivals and other celebrations. The reported readings place responsibility for reducing exposure on both public authorities monitoring air quality and residents whose activities contribute to short-term pollution spikes.
The latest figures underline the need for continued monitoring across Bihar’s urban centres after festival-related emissions. The immediate next steps identified by the experts are limiting outdoor exposure during high-pollution periods and reducing firecracker use, while the BSPCB’s monitoring data will indicate whether air quality improves or remains elevated.
