Behat Air Quality Index (AQI)

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Behat, a small town in the Saharsa district of Bihar, India, occupies a relatively flat expanse of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. Situated at coordinates 26.2435°N, 86.2799°E, its elevation is characteristically low for the region, contributing to limited atmospheric dispersion of pollutants. The surrounding landscape is dominated by intensely cultivated agricultural land, primarily rice paddies and wheat fields, typical of the fertile Bihar plains. The Kosi River, a notoriously shifting and flood-prone river, flows relatively close to Behat, influencing local humidity and potentially contributing to localised damp conditions that can trap pollutants. While not directly within a major industrial belt, the broader Bihar region is experiencing increasing industrial activity, and transport corridors linking larger cities pass nearby, introducing vehicular emissions. The urban-rural gradient is pronounced; Behat itself is a small urban centre surrounded by a predominantly rural agricultural hinterland. This proximity means seasonal agricultural burning – post-harvest stubble burning – is a significant localised source of particulate matter. The flat terrain and lack of significant topographical features hinder natural ventilation, exacerbating pollution build-up, particularly during calmer weather conditions. The town’s location within the Indo-Gangetic Plain, known for its stagnant air masses, further compounds this issue.

Behat’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern. The post-monsoon period, from October to November, is typically the most polluted. The cessation of monsoon rains coincides with widespread agricultural burning of rice stubble, releasing massive amounts of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). Calm winds and temperature inversions during these months trap pollutants near the ground. December and January bring cooler temperatures and often foggy conditions, further reducing dispersion and worsening air quality. These winter months are best avoided for strenuous outdoor activity, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions. The pre-monsoon season, March to May, sees rising temperatures and dust storms, increasing particulate matter levels, though generally less severe than the post-monsoon period. The monsoon season, from June to September, offers a temporary respite. Heavy rainfall effectively washes pollutants from the air, leading to cleaner air. However, increased humidity can also promote the formation of secondary pollutants. October is a transition month, with conditions rapidly deteriorating. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular illnesses – should limit outdoor exposure during the post-monsoon and pre-monsoon seasons and consider using air purifiers indoors.