Farakka Air Quality Index (AQI)

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Farakka, a small town in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal, India, occupies a geographically significant position on the banks of the Ganges River at coordinates 24.8190° N, 87.9110° E. The terrain is largely flat, characteristic of the Ganges Delta, with an elevation hovering around 15 meters above sea level. This low-lying deltaic plain is intensely fertile, dominated by agricultural land – primarily rice paddies – extending outwards from the town. Farakka’s location is intrinsically linked to the Farakka Barrage, a massive water diversion project built to increase the flow of the Ganges into the Hooghly River. This has altered the river’s natural course and sediment deposition patterns, impacting local ecosystems. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of wetlands, agricultural fields, and small rural settlements. While not a major industrial hub itself, Farakka is situated within a region experiencing increasing industrial activity, particularly related to food processing and packaging linked to the agricultural output. The urban-rural gradient is sharp; Farakka represents a relatively small urban centre embedded within a predominantly rural agricultural landscape. This proximity to agricultural practices, combined with potential industrial emissions and the river’s influence on pollutant dispersion, significantly shapes the town’s air quality profile.

Farakka experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, profoundly influencing air quality. The post-monsoon season (October-November) often sees a build-up of pollutants as stagnant air and temperature inversions trap emissions from agricultural burning and local sources. This period is generally the most challenging for respiratory health. The winter months (December-February) bring cooler temperatures and often dense fog, exacerbating particulate matter concentrations as fog droplets act as condensation nuclei. Outdoor activity should be limited during periods of heavy fog, especially for those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. The pre-monsoon season (March-May) is characterised by rising temperatures and dry winds, which can carry dust and pollutants from surrounding areas, leading to increased levels of coarser particles. The monsoon season (June-September) typically offers a temporary respite, as heavy rainfall washes away pollutants and increases humidity, suppressing dust. However, increased humidity can also promote the growth of mold, potentially triggering allergic reactions. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses – should take extra precautions during the post-monsoon and winter months, considering indoor air purification and limiting exposure during peak pollution periods.