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Vellallūr, nestled in the Palakkad district of Kerala, India, occupies a geographically significant position within the Western Ghats foothills. Its coordinates (8.7639, 76.8345) place it in a region characterized by undulating terrain, transitioning from the lush, tropical forests of the highlands to the drier plains of the Palakkad Gap. The city’s elevation, though modest, contributes to localized microclimates and influences air circulation patterns. Vellallūr’s proximity to the Siruvani River, a vital water source for Coimbatore and surrounding areas, plays a crucial role in regional hydrology and, indirectly, air quality through moisture content. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural, with rice paddies, coconut groves, and banana plantations dominating the rural areas. This agricultural activity, while economically important, can contribute to localized emissions, particularly during harvest seasons when burning of crop residue may occur. The urban–rural gradient around Vellallūr is relatively gradual, with small villages and agricultural holdings interspersed within the broader landscape. Further east, the Palakkad Gap represents a significant break in the Western Ghats, allowing for drier air masses to penetrate inland. This funneling effect can sometimes trap pollutants, especially during periods of low wind speed. While Vellallūr itself is a small town, its location within a broader agricultural and semi-arid zone means that regional pollution sources, such as industrial activity in Coimbatore or agricultural burning in neighboring districts, can impact its air quality. The prevailing winds, generally southwesterly during the monsoon and northwesterly during the dry season, dictate the direction of pollutant transport.

Vellallūr’s tropical climate dictates a distinct wet and dry season cycle, profoundly influencing its air quality. The southwest monsoon (June to September) brings abundant rainfall, effectively scrubbing the atmosphere and significantly reducing particulate matter. High humidity also helps to suppress dust generation. During these months, outdoor activities are generally favoured, although periods of heavy rain can temporarily reduce visibility. The post-monsoon period (October-November) sees a gradual decrease in rainfall, and a slight increase in temperature, which can lead to a build-up of pollutants if wind speeds remain low. The dry season (December to May) presents the greatest air quality challenges. Reduced rainfall, coupled with higher temperatures, leads to increased evaporation and a drier atmosphere, promoting dust and particulate matter. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler nights of December and January, can trap pollutants near the ground, exacerbating the situation. Agricultural burning, often practiced in surrounding areas to clear fields for the next planting season, contributes significantly to particulate pollution during February and March. Fog, particularly in the early morning hours during the dry season, further reduces air quality by trapping pollutants. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly during periods of agricultural burning or fog. Maintaining indoor air quality through ventilation and air purification can be beneficial. The transition periods, marking the onset and retreat of the monsoon, are often characterized by fluctuating air quality as weather patterns shift.