Bihar Government banned 15-year-old diesel vehicles from plying on Patna roads

The Bihar government has banned 15-year-old diesel vehicles from this capital’s road in a bid to control air pollution.

• The decision comes after an advisory issued by the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) showing air quality in Patna was “very poor” on 20 days and “severe” on nine days of November 2015.

“Severe” means particulate matter-2.5 (or PM-2.5) is over 400 and can affect healthy people and seriously impacts those with existing diseases. “Very poor” meansPM-2.5 is between 301 and 400 and can cause respiratory illness on prolonged exposure.

• The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has listed Patna as a “non-attainment city” with PM-10 and PM-2.5 levels persistently exceeding national ambient air quality standards.