Tehata Air Quality Index (AQI)

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Tehata, West Bengal, occupies a geographically significant position within the Ganges Delta, a vast alluvial plain shaped by centuries of sediment deposition from the mighty Ganges River. Located at approximately 23.7°N, 88.55°E, the city’s terrain is remarkably flat, characteristic of the deltaic landscape. Its elevation is minimal, rarely exceeding 10 meters above sea level, contributing to a low dispersion potential for pollutants. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural, with rice paddies and jute fields dominating the rural areas immediately adjacent to Tehata. This proximity to intensive agricultural practices introduces sources of biomass burning, particularly during harvest seasons, which can significantly impact local air quality. Further afield, the Hooghly River, a distributary of the Ganges, flows nearby, influencing local humidity and potentially trapping pollutants under certain meteorological conditions. Tehata’s position within West Bengal places it within a region experiencing rapid urbanization and industrial growth, with industrial belts concentrated in the broader Burdwan district. The urban–rural gradient is relatively sharp, with Tehata transitioning quickly from a small urban centre to agricultural land. This spatial arrangement means that while the city itself may have localized pollution sources, it is also susceptible to pollutants transported from larger industrial areas and agricultural zones, compounded by the flat terrain and limited vertical mixing which hinder pollutant dispersal. The deltaic soil composition, rich in organic matter, can also contribute to fugitive dust emissions, especially during dry periods.

Tehata’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern dictated by the region’s monsoon climate. The monsoon season, typically spanning June to September, brings relief from accumulated pollutants due to frequent rainfall and strong winds that effectively flush the atmosphere. However, the pre-monsoon period (March-May) often witnesses a significant deterioration in air quality. Rising temperatures and decreasing humidity create stable atmospheric conditions, frequently leading to temperature inversions where cooler air is trapped beneath a layer of warmer air, preventing vertical mixing and concentrating pollutants near the ground. Agricultural burning, prevalent during this period as farmers clear fields for the monsoon planting season, exacerbates the problem. The winter months (November-February) are characterized by cooler temperatures and frequent fog, particularly in December and January. Fog traps pollutants close to the surface, reducing visibility and increasing exposure. While temperatures are lower, the lack of wind and the presence of fog can lead to prolonged periods of elevated pollution. The post-monsoon period (October) sees a transitional phase, with gradually improving air quality as rainfall decreases and winds pick up. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the pre-monsoon and winter months, limiting outdoor activities during peak pollution episodes and considering the use of air purifiers indoors. Maintaining awareness of local weather patterns and agricultural practices is crucial for informed decision-making regarding outdoor exposure.