PATNA: The capital of Bihar has emerged as the most polluted city in Bihar, with the rate of pollution doubling in the last five years. A survey done by the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) in 2010-11, suggests that the presence of small particulate matter (SPM) is more than double the required rate. SPM is the major reason for increase in air pollution in the city, says a BSPCB official.
“SPM has risen in the city because of the increasing number of vehicles, especially autos that use adulterated petrol, and neglect of cleanliness by the municipal corporation,” SN Jaiswal, scientist, BSPCB told TOI adding, “SPM rate should not be above 100 microgram per cubic meter annually. But as per our data of 2010-11, at Gandhi Maidan air quality monitoring station, it was measured at 204 microgram per cubic meter and at Beltron Bhawan (Bailey road) station 184 microgram per cubic meter. This is really alarming.”
It is true, an even Patna is one of the most polluted city in India. But, one more important fact about cities in Bihar is that, no other city in state can be considered as city on parameters of being a modern city.