Unveiling the Truth Behind Begusarai’s Dubious Distinction as the “Most Polluted” City         

Introduction:

• The recent revelation of Begusarai, a city in Bihar, being labeled as the “most polluted” globally has sparked significant concern. This designation not only casts a shadow over Begusarai but also raises questions about the accuracy and adequacy of the data used in such assessments.

Inadequacy of Data:

• The rankings, compiled by the Swiss technology company IQAir, have drawn attention to several cities in Bihar, including Siwan, Saharsa, Katihar, Bettiah, Samastipur, and Arrah (Ara), all featuring prominently among the top 15 most polluted cities in Central and South Asia. However, the reliability of this data comes into question due to its source and methodology.

Data Sources and Methodology:

• The rankings rely on data collected from ground-level air monitoring stations, which are operated by various entities, including government agencies, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and individual citizens. While this approach aims to provide comprehensive coverage, the reliability of the data hinges on the quality and representativeness of the monitoring stations.

Challenges in Assessment:

• The designation of Begusarai as the “most polluted” city raises eyebrows, considering it is not heavily industrialized and lacks apparent sources of local pollutants. Experts speculate that solid fuel burning and solid waste burning could be major contributors to pollution. Moreover, atmospheric conditions facilitate the transport of pollutants from neighboring regions during certain seasons, further complicating the assessment of local pollution levels.

Insufficient Data and Regional Trends:

• While Bihar has garnered attention for its poor air quality in previous assessments by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), the focus on a single city may overlook broader regional trends. The data available from monitoring stations, including the AMRIT network set up by Dr. Sachchida Nand Tripathi’s team at IIT Kanpur, indicates varying pollution levels across Bihar, with some districts exhibiting higher pollution levels than Begusarai.

Conclusion:

• The designation of Begusarai as the “most polluted” city underscores the need for more robust and comprehensive data collection methods to accurately assess air quality. Addressing the challenges of pollution in Bihar and other regions requires a holistic approach that considers local sources of pollutants, atmospheric transport mechanisms, and regional variations in pollution levels. As efforts to monitor and mitigate air pollution continue, a nuanced understanding of the factors contributing to poor air quality is essential for effective interventions and policy decisions.