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Kushtagi, a town in the Koppal district of Karnataka, India, sits at coordinates 15.7562°N, 76.1911°E. The terrain is largely characterised by undulating plains typical of the Deccan Plateau, with an elevation that contributes to relatively stable atmospheric conditions. The town’s location is within a predominantly agricultural zone, heavily reliant on rain-fed farming, particularly cotton, sugarcane, and pulses. This agricultural activity, while vital to the local economy, introduces particulate matter through tilling, harvesting, and the use of agricultural inputs. Kushtagi is not directly adjacent to major bodies of water, though the Tungabhadra River flows nearby, influencing local humidity levels. The urban-rural gradient is pronounced; Kushtagi serves as a market town for surrounding villages, leading to increased vehicular traffic and localised dust generation. While not a major industrial hub itself, its proximity to industrial areas in Koppal and potentially further afield contributes to regional background pollution levels. The surrounding landscape is dotted with rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation, offering limited natural filtration of airborne pollutants. The prevailing winds, influenced by the monsoon patterns, play a crucial role in dispersing or concentrating pollutants within the town. This combination of factors creates a unique air quality profile for Kushtagi.

Kushtagi experiences a distinct seasonal air quality pattern. The post-monsoon period, from October to November, often sees a temporary improvement as rainfall washes away accumulated pollutants. However, this is short-lived. The winter months (December-February) are typically the most challenging, with cooler temperatures leading to temperature inversions – a phenomenon where a layer of warm air traps cooler, polluted air near the ground. This traps dust from agricultural activities and emissions from household cooking. The pre-monsoon months (March-May) witness a significant deterioration in air quality due to increased dust storms and agricultural burning in preparation for the monsoon. May is often the worst month. The arrival of the monsoon (June-September) brings relief, as heavy rainfall effectively cleanses the atmosphere, though increased humidity can also foster mold growth indoors. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor exposure during the winter and pre-monsoon seasons. During the monsoon, focus shifts to preventing waterborne diseases and maintaining indoor air quality. Avoiding peak traffic hours and using respiratory protection when necessary are advisable throughout the year.