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Tilāri, a small town in Bihar, India, sits at coordinates 25.0040°N, 85.2520°E, within the fertile plains of the Ganges River basin. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural, characterized by rice paddies and wheat fields, typical of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. The terrain is largely flat, with a gentle slope towards the Ganges, influencing drainage patterns and potentially contributing to localised humidity. Tilāri’s elevation is relatively low, making it susceptible to stagnant air conditions. The town’s position within Bihar places it within a region experiencing rapid, though uneven, urbanisation and industrial growth, particularly in nearby larger cities like Patna. This regional development impacts air quality through the transport of pollutants. The urban-rural gradient is pronounced; Tilāri represents a smaller, less industrialised node within a broader network. The proximity to agricultural lands introduces seasonal biomass burning, a significant source of particulate matter. The lack of substantial natural barriers to wind flow means pollutants can accumulate during periods of low wind speed. Understanding this geographical context is crucial for assessing and mitigating air quality challenges in Tilāri, as local emissions interact with regional pollution transport.

Tilāri experiences a distinct seasonal air quality pattern dictated by the monsoon and post-monsoon periods. The pre-monsoon months (March-May) are typically the worst for air quality. Rising temperatures create strong convective currents, but also trap pollutants near the ground, exacerbating dust and biomass burning from agricultural practices preparing for sowing. May is often particularly challenging. The arrival of the monsoon (June-September) brings significant relief, as rainfall effectively washes away particulate matter and increased humidity suppresses dust. However, high humidity can also foster mold growth, impacting respiratory health. Post-monsoon (October-November) sees a resurgence of pollution as temperatures cool and wind speeds decrease, leading to temperature inversions that trap pollutants. This period coincides with post-harvest crop residue burning, a major contributor to particulate matter. Winter (December-February) brings cooler, drier conditions and often fog, further reducing visibility and trapping pollutants. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods, and consider using masks when outdoors.