By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: As Bihar gears up for the Chhath Puja festival, cold weather is set to arrive earlier than usual. From Monday, November 4, minimum temperatures across the state are expected to drop, with a more pronounced chill anticipated by November 15. The Meteorological Department reported a minimum temperature of 22°C over the last 24 hours, signalling the gradual onset of winter.
Typically, by November, minimum temperatures dip below 20°C. However, this year, temperatures remain higher than average, leading to warm daytime conditions, though evenings are noticeably cooler. Additionally, dense fog has been observed in the mornings, a seasonal indicator of the approaching winter.
Meanwhile, air pollution levels have significantly worsened across Bihar, particularly in the capital, Patna, and surrounding districts. According to the Pollution Control Board, Hajipur recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 339 on November 2, marking it as the most polluted area in the state. Patna’s AQI reached 234, with readings near the Planetarium and Gandhi Maidan hitting close to 300 and 272, respectively.
Fourteen cities, including Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Vaishali, are grappling with poor air quality, exacerbated by post-Diwali pollution. Despite a government ban on fireworks in these areas during Diwali, widespread firecracker use contributed to heightened pollution levels.
The Central Pollution Control Board attributes the poor air quality to various factors, including ineffective waste management, emissions from industries, vehicle exhaust, road dust, construction activities, stubble burning, and open waste burning. The increased pollution calls for immediate action from both the government and residents to tackle these pressing environmental issues.
