Concerned by a noticeable dip in air quality, the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced a stringent set of regulations targeting construction and demolition activities. This decisive action comes as the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) entered the "moderate" category, recording an average of 177 over 24 hours, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Wednesday.
What's Polluting Patna's Air?
The CPCB bulletin pinpointed PM2.5 as the primary pollutant in the city's atmosphere. These fine, hazardous particles predominantly originate from construction materials and debris. D K Shukla, Chairman of the Bihar State Pollution Control Board, explained the dual threat from construction sites. "Construction and demolition wastes generate two types of pollutants: PM2.5, consisting of cement and finer dust; and PM10, which contains sand and larger particles," he stated.
Shukla further highlighted that winter conditions exacerbate the problem, as limited vertical dispersal and fog trap pollutants in moisture, preventing them from rising and clearing away.
PMC's New Anti-Dust Directive
In response to the deteriorating air quality, the PMC issued a formal directive on Wednesday, outlining a series of corrective measures. The cornerstone of the new rules is a complete prohibition on dumping debris in open spaces or on public roads.
All such waste must now be transported to designated secondary collection points across the city's six circles:
- Bankipore
- Azimabad
- Patna City
- Patliputra
- Kankarbagh
- New Capital
Furthermore, the corporation has made it mandatory for all construction sites to install green mesh (green cloth) to mitigate the spread of dust. "The green cloth is mandatory for any building under construction," emphasized Chairman Shukla.
Health Risks and Enforcement Mechanisms
The push for stricter norms is underscored by severe health implications. Medical experts warn that PM2.5 particles are particularly dangerous due to their microscopic size, which allows them to bypass the body's natural filters in the nose and throat, penetrate deep into the lungs, and even enter the bloodstream.
To ensure compliance, the PMC has attached a penalty for violations. Disposal standard breaches will attract a fine of up to Rs 1,500. To aid builders and residents, the municipal body is also offering a debris collection service at a rate of Rs 600 per trip. This service can be accessed via the toll-free number 155304 or through the official WhatsApp chatbot.
By centralizing waste disposal at specific locations like Arya Kumar Road, Gardanibagh, and Transport Nagar, the PMC aims to systematically tackle the source of dust and improve Patna's overall air quality in the long term.
