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Maner, Bihar, situated at approximately 25.65°N, 84.88°E, occupies a geographically significant position within the Gangetic plains of India. The town’s terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the Indo-Gangetic alluvial plain, resulting in minimal elevation changes. This flatness, while facilitating agricultural activity, also contributes to air quality challenges as it limits natural dispersion of pollutants. Maner lies close to the Ganges River, though direct proximity is limited; the river’s presence influences regional humidity and can, under certain meteorological conditions, impact the transport of pollutants. The surrounding landscape is overwhelmingly rural, dominated by agricultural fields – primarily rice and wheat cultivation – interspersed with small villages. This agricultural zone contributes to seasonal particulate matter pollution, particularly during harvest periods when stubble burning is practiced. Further afield, the broader region is experiencing increasing industrial development, with pockets of small-scale manufacturing and processing industries emerging along transport corridors. This gradual urban–rural gradient, with Maner positioned as a relatively small urban centre within a larger agricultural and industrial landscape, means that local air quality is influenced by both regional agricultural practices and the growing industrial footprint. The lack of significant topographical features hinders natural ventilation, trapping pollutants and exacerbating air quality issues, especially during periods of stagnant air. The flat terrain also means that any wind patterns are easily disrupted by surrounding land use, further complicating pollutant dispersal.

Maner’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 particulate pollution due to frequent rainfall which effectively washes pollutants from the atmosphere. However, humidity levels rise significantly, which can exacerbate respiratory issues for sensitive individuals. The pre-monsoon period (March-May) is often the most challenging, characterized by high temperatures, low humidity, and frequent temperature inversions. These inversions trap pollutants near the ground, leading to a build-up of particulate matter and gaseous pollutants. Agricultural burning, a common practice after the harvest of winter crops, significantly contributes to this pre-monsoon pollution peak. The post-monsoon season (October-November) sees a gradual improvement in air quality as temperatures begin to cool, but the lingering effects of agricultural burning can still be noticeable. Winter months (December-February) are generally cooler, with periods of dense fog which further restricts pollutant dispersion and can worsen air quality. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the pre-monsoon and winter months, limiting outdoor activity during peak pollution periods. Maintaining indoor air quality through ventilation and air purification can also be beneficial. The monsoon months offer a window of relatively cleaner air, but the high humidity requires careful management of respiratory health.