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The recent Air Quality Report 2024 paints a concerning picture of air pollution in Bihar, with seven cities, including Patna, Bhagalpur, Araria, Chhapra, Saharsa, Hajipur, and Muzaffarpur, ranking among the top 50 most polluted cities. This alarming revelation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and sustained efforts to mitigate air pollution in the region. The article highlights the complex interplay of geographical constraints and local factors that contribute to the deteriorating air quality in Bihar. The state's location within the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), coupled with its landlocked nature, restricts air movement, effectively trapping pollutants within the region. This geographical barrier exacerbates the impact of local factors, such as dust particles, construction activities, the use of coal in industries and brick kilns, and the burning of biomass for cooking, all of which contribute significantly to the rise in air pollution levels. Devendra Kumar Shukla, chairman of the Bihar State Pollution Control Board, emphasizes the importance of identifying the root causes of air pollution in order to effectively address the problem. He points out that alluvial soil, which is prevalent in the region, is lighter and easily disperses in the atmosphere, further contributing to air pollution. The state government is actively engaged in efforts to enhance ambient air quality through the execution of various action plans and the implementation of policies. However, the article suggests that a more targeted and evidence-based approach is required to achieve meaningful and sustainable improvements in air quality.
To this end, the Bihar State Pollution Control Board has collaborated with the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, to study pollution sources in the state. This collaboration aims to identify the specific contributions of various factors, such as road dust, construction activities, cooking practices, and the use of coal in hotels, to the overall air pollution levels in different cities. The results of this study will provide valuable insights that can be used to develop targeted strategies and interventions to tackle pollution effectively. Parmendra Kumar Bajpai, vice-chancellor of Jaya Prakash University, expresses concern over the placement of Chhapra as one of the most polluted cities in the world. He attributes this to a combination of factors, including dense population, dryness of the rivers, and a shortage of proper sewage plants. The confluence of three rivers—Ganga, Saryu, and Gandak—in the region also contributes to the problem, as mining of red and white sand from the riverbeds disrupts the natural ecosystem and releases dust particles into the atmosphere. Mridul Kumar Sharan, a retired teacher, echoes these concerns, highlighting the role of dust, smoke from cooking with wood in rural areas, and construction work in increasing pollution levels. The multiple sources of pollution, combined with the geographical challenges faced by the state, create a complex and multifaceted problem that requires a coordinated and comprehensive approach.
Addressing air pollution in Bihar requires a multi-pronged strategy that tackles both the immediate sources of pollution and the underlying factors that contribute to the problem. This includes implementing stricter regulations on construction activities to minimize dust emissions, promoting cleaner cooking fuels and technologies in rural areas, and transitioning to more sustainable energy sources in industries and brick kilns. Improving waste management practices and investing in proper sewage treatment plants are also crucial steps in reducing pollution levels. Furthermore, afforestation and greening initiatives can help to absorb pollutants from the air and improve air quality. It is also essential to raise public awareness about the health risks associated with air pollution and encourage individuals to adopt practices that reduce their contribution to the problem. This could include promoting the use of public transportation, cycling, or walking, and encouraging the adoption of energy-efficient appliances and practices. The collaboration between the Bihar State Pollution Control Board and the National Institute of Oceanography is a positive step in the right direction, as it will provide valuable data and insights that can be used to develop evidence-based strategies. However, it is crucial to ensure that the findings of this study are translated into concrete actions and policies that are effectively implemented and enforced. The state government must also work in close collaboration with local communities, industries, and other stakeholders to develop and implement sustainable solutions that address the specific challenges faced by each region. The situation in Bihar highlights the urgent need for a national air pollution strategy that addresses the unique challenges faced by different regions and promotes a coordinated and collaborative approach to tackling air pollution across the country. This strategy should include provisions for funding research and development, promoting the adoption of clean technologies, and strengthening regulatory frameworks to ensure that industries and individuals comply with environmental standards. Only through a concerted and sustained effort can we hope to achieve meaningful and lasting improvements in air quality and protect the health and well-being of all citizens.
Furthermore, the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), where Bihar is situated, is particularly vulnerable to air pollution due to its geographical and meteorological characteristics. The IGP is a low-lying basin that is surrounded by mountains on three sides, which restricts air movement and traps pollutants within the region. During the winter months, temperature inversions can further exacerbate the problem by preventing pollutants from dispersing vertically. The combination of these factors creates a conducive environment for the accumulation of pollutants, leading to severe air pollution episodes. The long-term consequences of air pollution on public health are well-documented. Exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and other health problems. Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution. The economic costs of air pollution are also significant, as it can lead to increased healthcare costs, reduced productivity, and damage to infrastructure. Addressing air pollution is therefore not only a matter of environmental protection but also a matter of public health and economic development. The government must prioritize air pollution control as a key policy objective and allocate sufficient resources to implement effective strategies and programs. This includes investing in clean energy technologies, promoting sustainable transportation options, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and raising public awareness about the health risks associated with air pollution. In addition to government efforts, it is also important for individuals and communities to take action to reduce their contribution to air pollution. This could include using public transportation, cycling, or walking instead of driving, conserving energy at home, and supporting businesses that are committed to environmental sustainability. By working together, we can create a cleaner and healthier environment for all.
Source: Geographical barrier, local factors add to rising pollution: Expert