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Sirūr, a small town in Karnataka, India, is situated at coordinates 16.0965°N, 75.7858°E, nestled within the broader Deccan Plateau. The terrain surrounding Sirūr is largely undulating, characterised by gentle hills and agricultural lands typical of this region. The town’s elevation, approximately 580 meters above sea level, influences local weather patterns and pollutant dispersion. Sirūr lies within the Krishna River basin, benefiting from the river’s presence but also potentially experiencing localised humidity and stagnant air conditions during certain times of the year. The surrounding landscape is predominantly rural, dominated by agricultural activity – primarily sugarcane and cotton farming – with smaller pockets of deciduous forest. While not directly within a major industrial belt, the increasing agricultural intensification, including fertiliser use and biomass burning for land preparation, contributes to localised emissions. The urban-rural gradient is quite sharp; Sirūr itself is a relatively small settlement, quickly transitioning to agricultural fields and smaller villages. This proximity to agricultural sources, combined with the topography, means that pollutant concentrations can build up, particularly during periods of low wind speed. The town’s location, shielded by the surrounding hills, can also limit natural ventilation, exacerbating air quality issues. Understanding these geographical factors is crucial for assessing and mitigating air pollution in Sirūr.

Sirūr experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, heavily influencing its air quality. The post-monsoon period (October-November) often sees a temporary improvement in air quality as rainfall washes away accumulated pollutants. However, this is short-lived. The dry season (December-May) is typically the most challenging period, with increased dust from agricultural activities and a higher frequency of biomass burning for land preparation. January and February are particularly prone to stagnant air conditions, leading to pollutant build-up. The summer months (March-May) bring high temperatures and strong convective winds, which can offer some dispersion, but also contribute to ozone formation. The southwest monsoon (June-September) brings relief, with heavy rainfall effectively cleansing the air. However, increased humidity can also promote secondary pollutant formation. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during the dry season, especially in January, February, and March. During the monsoon, while air is cleaner, the increased humidity can exacerbate respiratory issues. Monitoring wind patterns and avoiding peak agricultural burning times are key to protecting public health. Localised temperature inversions, common during cooler months, trap pollutants near ground level, worsening conditions.