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Jaggayyapeta, nestled in the Andhra Pradesh plains of India (16.8920° N, 80.0976° E), occupies a geographically significant position within the Krishna River basin. The town’s terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the Deccan Plateau, with an average elevation of around 28 meters. This low-lying topography, while facilitating agricultural activity, presents challenges for air quality dispersion. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of fertile agricultural land, primarily dedicated to rice and pulses, interspersed with pockets of scrubland and occasional rocky outcrops. Jaggayyapeta sits on the edge of an urban–rural gradient; it’s a market town serving a largely agrarian hinterland, experiencing gradual urban expansion. The proximity to the Krishna River, though providing a water source, can also contribute to localized humidity and fog formation, impacting pollutant behaviour. The region’s climate is hot and semi-arid, with significant seasonal variations. While not directly adjacent to major industrial belts, Jaggayyapeta’s location within Andhra Pradesh means it’s influenced by broader regional industrial activity, particularly from nearby manufacturing hubs and transportation corridors. Agricultural practices, including the burning of crop residue after harvest, represent a significant localized source of particulate matter. The flat terrain and limited natural barriers hinder the effective dispersal of pollutants, leading to potential accumulation, especially during periods of stagnant air. The town’s growth, coupled with increasing vehicular traffic, further compounds these challenges, creating a complex interplay of factors affecting air quality.

Jaggayyapeta’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern dictated by the region’s monsoon climate. The dry season, spanning roughly from March to May, typically witnesses the poorest air quality. High temperatures and low humidity create stable atmospheric conditions, often leading to temperature inversions where cooler air is trapped beneath a layer of warmer air, preventing vertical mixing and trapping pollutants near the ground. Agricultural burning, a common practice after the harvest of rabi crops (winter crops), significantly contributes to particulate matter pollution during this period. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings relief with increased rainfall and stronger winds, effectively flushing out pollutants and improving air quality. However, heavy rainfall can also lead to increased humidity and localized flooding, potentially impacting air quality through the release of mould spores and other bioaerosols. The post-monsoon season (October-November) sees a gradual return to drier conditions, with a resurgence of agricultural burning, again impacting air quality. Finally, the cooler months of December and January generally experience improved air quality due to lower temperatures and increased wind speeds, although fog formation can occasionally trap pollutants. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season (March-May) and be mindful of agricultural burning events. Outdoor activities are generally more favourable during the monsoon and post-monsoon periods, although vigilance regarding potential flooding is advised.