📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Habib.my
Weather
Patna's Air Quality Deteriorates Post-Diwali, AQI Surpasses 300 in Two Areas
✍️ Amar Ujala · Bihar
🗓 09 Nov 2026, 10:45 AM
👁 22
Air quality in Patna has sharply declined after Diwali fireworks, with the AQI in two localities rising above 300, indicating hazardous conditions.
The capital of Bihar, Patna, recorded a sudden surge in air‑pollution levels after the Diwali celebrations. Monitoring stations reported that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in two parts of the city crossed the 300 mark, a level classified as hazardous by the National Air Quality Index.
Authorities linked the sharp rise primarily to the extensive use of fireworks during the festival, which released large quantities of particulate matter and sulphur compounds into the atmosphere. The spike was observed within hours of the celebrations ending, turning the city's sky hazy and reducing visibility.
Health officials have issued advisories urging residents, especially children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor activities and wear masks when stepping out. The city’s pollution control board is monitoring the situation closely and has warned that the AQI could remain elevated until wind patterns disperse the pollutants.
Pre‑Diwali AQI levels in Patna typically hovered in the moderate range, making the post‑festival jump to hazardous levels a cause for concern among both citizens and policymakers. The board plans to intensify real‑time monitoring and explore stricter enforcement of firecracker bans in future festivals.
Authorities linked the sharp rise primarily to the extensive use of fireworks during the festival, which released large quantities of particulate matter and sulphur compounds into the atmosphere. The spike was observed within hours of the celebrations ending, turning the city's sky hazy and reducing visibility.
Health officials have issued advisories urging residents, especially children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions, to limit outdoor activities and wear masks when stepping out. The city’s pollution control board is monitoring the situation closely and has warned that the AQI could remain elevated until wind patterns disperse the pollutants.
Pre‑Diwali AQI levels in Patna typically hovered in the moderate range, making the post‑festival jump to hazardous levels a cause for concern among both citizens and policymakers. The board plans to intensify real‑time monitoring and explore stricter enforcement of firecracker bans in future festivals.