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Kallūr, nestled in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India, occupies a geographically significant position within the Deccan Plateau. Located at approximately 16.14°N, 77.20°E, the city’s terrain is predominantly undulating, characteristic of the plateau’s landscape, with elevations ranging from 550 to 600 meters above sea level. This moderate elevation influences local air circulation patterns, sometimes trapping pollutants under stable atmospheric conditions. Kallūr is surrounded by a mosaic of agricultural land, primarily cultivating sugarcane, paddy, and pulses, contributing to seasonal biomass burning and fugitive dust emissions. To the east, the landscape gradually transitions into drier scrubland, while the west slopes gently towards the Tungabhadra River, a vital water source and a potential factor in regional humidity and precipitation patterns. The urban–rural gradient around Kallūr is relatively sharp; the city itself is small, with a population of just over 13,000, but its proximity to larger towns like Bagalkot and Vijayapura means it experiences some spillover effects from their industrial and transportation activities. While Kallūr lacks major heavy industries within its immediate boundaries, the surrounding region hosts agricultural processing units and small-scale manufacturing, which can contribute to localized air pollution. The prevailing winds, generally from the southwest during the monsoon and shifting to the northeast during the dry season, play a crucial role in dispersing or concentrating pollutants, impacting air quality within the city and its environs. The surrounding landscape, a blend of agricultural fields and open scrubland, significantly shapes the city’s air quality profile.

Kallūr’s air quality exhibits a distinct seasonal cycle dictated by the region’s tropical climate and monsoon patterns. The pre-monsoon season (March-May) typically witnesses the poorest air quality. Rising temperatures and decreasing humidity create stable atmospheric conditions, often leading to temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the ground. Agricultural burning, a common practice to clear fields for the Kharif season, significantly contributes to particulate matter pollution during this period. The monsoon season (June-September) brings relief, with increased rainfall and stronger winds dispersing pollutants. However, heavy rainfall can also lead to increased humidity and stagnant air pockets in low-lying areas. Post-monsoon (October-November) sees a gradual return to drier conditions, with a resurgence of agricultural burning, though generally less intense than in the pre-monsoon. Winter (December-February) is generally the most favourable period for air quality, with cooler temperatures and more frequent wind patterns aiding in pollutant dispersion. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the pre-monsoon months, limiting outdoor activities during peak pollution hours. During the monsoon, while overall air quality improves, those with allergies should be mindful of increased pollen and mold counts. Maintaining indoor air quality through ventilation and air purifiers is advisable throughout the year, particularly during periods of agricultural burning. Awareness campaigns promoting cleaner agricultural practices and responsible waste management are crucial for mitigating seasonal pollution spikes.