AQI Alert: Severe Air Pollution in Bihar Hajipur, Patna, Dense Fog Hits Delhi, UP, and Punjab

Air pollution across India continues to rise, with Bihar drawing special attention yesterday due to alarmingly high AQI levels. Hajipur recorded an AQI of 427, marking it as the most polluted city in the country, surpassing even Delhi and Haryana. Bihar’s capital, Patna, also registered dangerously high levels, with an AQI of 340, categorized as "very poor." The deteriorating air quality across Bihar's cities is causing serious health concerns for residents, as the pollution reaches hazardous levels.

AQI Levels in Major Cities of Bihar:

1. Hajipur: 427 (Severe)
2. Patna: 340 (Very Poor)
3. Rajgir: 296 (Poor)
4. Muzaffarpur: 293 (Poor)
5. Gaya and Buxar: 213 (Poor)
6. Begusarai: 187 (Moderate)
7. Chhapra: 174 (Moderate)

Delhi and Chandigarh AQI Status:

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, Chandigarh recorded an AQI of 343 (Very Poor), while Delhi’s AQI stood at 334 (Very Poor). While Delhi has seen a slight improvement in air quality, thanks to special anti-pollution measures under the GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan), pollution levels remain high. 

Dense Fog in Northern India:

On the morning of November 13, dense fog blanketed many areas in northern India, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab. The fog was so thick that visibility was significantly reduced, forcing drivers to use headlights even during daylight hours. This thick layer of fog has left many people wondering if it is smog or simply seasonal fog.

AQI in Other Major Cities:

1. Dehradun: 246 (Poor)
2. Lucknow: 243 (Poor)
3. Bhopal: 226 (Poor)
4. Jaipur: 188 (Moderate)
5. Mumbai: 144 (Moderate)
6. Gandhinagar: 124 (Moderate)
7. Hyderabad: 117 (Moderate)
8. Kolkata: 100 (Satisfactory)
9. Bengaluru: 99 (Satisfactory)
10. Chennai: 60 (Satisfactory)

The increasing air pollution is raising significant health risks, especially for children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma. Experts emphasize the urgent need for stricter measures to improve air quality and reduce health risks for the population.

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