Begusarai: In a shocking revelation, Begusarai, nestled in the heart of Bihar, has been dubbed the world’s most polluted city by the World Air Quality Report 2023. With an average PM2.5 concentration of 118.9 micrograms per cubic meter, our community has skyrocketed to the top of the pollution charts, surpassing all other metropolitan areas. This revelation comes as a rude wake-up call, shedding light on a crisis that demands immediate attention.

The news is particularly unsettling considering the city’s absence from last year’s rankings. While Delhi has long held the title of the most polluted capital in the world, Begusarai’s sudden rise to infamy underscores the severity of our pollution problem.

The report’s findings paint a grim picture of air quality not just in Begusarai, but across India. With PM2.5 levels exceeding WHO standards for a significant portion of the population, the nation ranks third in air pollution globally.

Local responses to the report have been a mix of alarm and anger. Residents like Rajesh Kumar have voiced their concerns, noting the toll that pollution is taking on their health, especially among children and the elderly. “There’s a growing demand for action, for sustainable solutions that can help us breathe easier and live healthier lives in our beloved town,” says Kumar.

Civil Surgeon Pramod Kumar has pointed to the city’s numerous factories, sewage, and ongoing construction work as major contributors to pollution. Efforts are underway to address these issues, but challenges persist. “Pollution can lead to various serious diseases, including lung infections and skin diseases,” warns Kumar, emphasizing the urgent need for action.

Another significant aspect contributing to Begusarai’s pollution problem is the presence of major industrial establishments in the area. Barauni Refinery, NTPC, HURL, Pepsi Plant, and Barauni Dairy are among the key players. The capacity of Barauni Refinery has been expanded from 6 MMPTA (million metric tons per annum) to 9 MMPTA, with plans for further production expansion, including aviation fuel and a polypropylene unit.

Ashok Singh, another local resident, expressed frustration over the lack of a clear plan to combat pollution. “Despite Begusarai’s status as a significant revenue source for the Bihar government, the focus has been on tax collection rather than addressing pollution, putting residents’ health at risk,” feels Singh.

Indeed, the health toll of air pollution in Begusarai is significant. From respiratory diseases to cardiovascular problems and even cancer, the impact on our community is undeniable. Children are particularly vulnerable, with their lung development and cognitive functions at risk, said Dr Arvind Kumar, Child Specialist.

The health toll of air pollution

The health impacts of air pollution in Begusarai are significant. Air pollution, particularly from PM2.5 (fine particulate matter with diameters of 2.5 micrometres and smaller), is known to penetrate deep into the lung tissue and enter the bloodstream, causing a wide range of health issues. Exposure to high levels of air pollution in Begusarai can lead to various serious diseases, deteriorating the health of the local population. These health issues include, but are not limited to:

• Respiratory Diseases: Conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung infections can be exacerbated or directly caused by inhaling polluted air.
• Cardiovascular problems: Long-term exposure to polluted air can lead to heart diseases, including strokes, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular complications.
• Cancer: There is evidence to suggest that prolonged exposure to certain air pollutants, particularly particulate matter, can increase the risk of lung cancer and possibly other types of cancer.
• Impact on children’s health: Children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution. It can impair their lung development, increase the risk of respiratory infections, and affect their cognitive development and school performance.
• Mental Health and cognitive effects: Emerging research  suggests that air pollution can also impact mental health and cognitive functions, leading to issues such as depression, anxiety, and dementia.
• Aggravation of pre-existing conditions: People with pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes and chronic lung or heart diseases, may find their conditions worsened by exposure to polluted air.

(With inputs from Santosh Singh from Begusarai)