Sewāi Air Quality Index (AQI)

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Sewāi, a small town in Jharkhand, India, sits at coordinates 23.6175°N, 85.6783°E, nestled within the broader Chota Nagpur Plateau. The terrain is predominantly undulating, characterised by hills and plateaus typical of this region. With a population of approximately 11,601, Sewāi exhibits a strong urban-rural gradient, transitioning quickly into surrounding agricultural lands. The town’s elevation, around 680 meters (2,231 feet) above sea level, influences local weather patterns and pollutant dispersion. While no major rivers directly traverse Sewāi, it lies within the Damodar River basin, impacting regional humidity and potential for localised flooding during the monsoon. The surrounding landscape is largely forested, interspersed with agricultural fields cultivating rice, maize, and pulses. Industrial activity is limited within Sewāi itself, but the broader Dhanbad district, to the north, is a significant coal mining and industrial belt, representing a potential source of long-range pollutant transport. The town’s geographical position, shielded by hills, can contribute to temperature inversions, trapping pollutants near the ground. This, combined with dust from unpaved roads and agricultural practices, creates a unique air quality profile. The prevailing winds, influenced by the monsoon and regional topography, play a crucial role in pollutant dispersal, or lack thereof.

Sewāi’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern. The post-monsoon period, from October to November, often sees a build-up of pollutants as stagnant air settles after the rains, and agricultural burning increases. This is a period to be cautious with outdoor activity, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. Winter, from December to February, brings cooler temperatures and increased risk of temperature inversions, trapping pollutants and leading to poorer air quality. Fog can exacerbate this, reducing visibility and increasing particulate matter concentration. March and April witness rising temperatures and dust storms, contributing to increased levels of coarser particles. The pre-monsoon months, May and June, are generally hotter and drier, with moderate air quality, though dust remains a concern. The monsoon season, from July to September, typically offers the cleanest air. Heavy rainfall effectively washes away pollutants, and increased humidity suppresses dust. However, increased cloud cover can also lead to reduced sunlight and potential for localised humidity-related issues. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the post-monsoon and winter months, and consider using masks when air quality is visibly poor.