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Amarchinta, a small town in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, India, sits at coordinates 16.3740°N, 77.7729°E. The terrain is largely characterised by undulating plains typical of the Deccan Plateau, with a gentle slope towards the east. The town’s elevation is relatively low, contributing to limited atmospheric dispersion of pollutants. Amarchinta is situated within a predominantly agricultural region, heavily reliant on irrigation due to the semi-arid climate. Surrounding the town are extensive cotton, chilli, and groundnut farms, with pesticide and fertilizer use potentially impacting local air quality. The Tungabhadra River, a significant waterway, lies approximately 30km to the north, offering limited influence on local wind patterns but contributing to humidity. While not directly within a major industrial belt, the increasing presence of small-scale brick kilns and stone crushing units in the surrounding areas contributes to particulate matter emissions. The urban-rural gradient is sharp; Amarchinta itself is a concentrated settlement amidst a vast agricultural landscape. This proximity to agricultural practices, combined with localised industrial activity and the flat terrain, creates conditions conducive to air pollution build-up, particularly during periods of low wind speed. The town’s small size means pollution sources have a disproportionately large impact on the immediate environment.

Amarchinta experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Air quality generally worsens during the dry season (October to May), peaking in March and April. This is due to reduced rainfall, leading to dust suspension from agricultural lands and construction activities. High temperatures during these months also promote the formation of ground-level ozone. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler mornings of the dry season, trap pollutants near the ground, exacerbating the problem. The monsoon season (June to September) brings relief, with rainfall effectively washing away particulate matter and increasing atmospheric humidity, which suppresses dust. However, increased traffic congestion due to monsoon-related disruptions can locally elevate emissions. November and December offer relatively cleaner air, benefiting from post-monsoon conditions and moderate temperatures. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during the peak dry season months. During the monsoon, precautions should be taken against waterborne diseases, as air quality improvements can be offset by health risks from flooding. Maintaining good ventilation indoors and using air purifiers during peak pollution periods are recommended.