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Telua, a small town in Bihar, India, sits at coordinates 26.6396°N, 84.5108°E, within the expansive Indo-Gangetic Plain. This region is characterised by flat, fertile alluvial terrain formed by the deposition of sediments from the Ganges and its tributaries. Telua’s elevation is relatively low, contributing to limited atmospheric dispersion of pollutants. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural, with rice paddies and wheat fields dominating the rural areas immediately bordering the town. This agricultural activity, while vital to the local economy, introduces sources of particulate matter through crop residue burning and fertiliser application. The town’s proximity to larger urban centres like Patna, approximately 80km to the east, means it’s increasingly influenced by regional pollution transport. The urban-rural gradient is sharp; Telua retains a largely rural character, but is experiencing gradual urbanisation. The lack of significant natural barriers – hills or forests – allows for minimal windbreaks, exacerbating pollution build-up during stagnant weather conditions. The seasonal flooding common in Bihar can also mobilise pollutants from soil and agricultural runoff, impacting local air quality. The climate is subtropical monsoon, with distinct wet and dry seasons influencing pollution dynamics.

Telua experiences a pronounced seasonal air quality pattern dictated by the monsoon and post-monsoon periods. The pre-monsoon months of April and May are typically the worst for air quality. Rising temperatures create strong temperature inversions, trapping pollutants near the ground, and agricultural burning of crop residue is rampant in preparation for the monsoon. The arrival of the monsoon in June brings temporary relief, as rainfall washes away particulate matter and increased humidity suppresses dust. However, increased cloud cover can also worsen temperature inversions. Post-monsoon, from October to November, sees a resurgence of pollution. Cooler temperatures and calmer winds lead to stagnant air, and the burning of post-harvest stubble contributes significantly to particulate matter. Winter, from December to February, is characterised by fog and low wind speeds, trapping pollutants and creating hazardous conditions. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during April-May and October-November. The monsoon months (June-September) generally offer the best air quality, though localised flooding can introduce contaminants. Avoiding peak hours near agricultural areas during burning seasons is advisable.