Murud, a coastal town in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India, occupies a unique geographic position. Located at 18.3300°N, 72.9600°E, the town is nestled along the Arabian Sea, benefitting from a moderate maritime climate but also facing specific air quality challenges. The terrain is characterised by undulating hills descending towards the coastline, creating localized variations in air circulation. Murud-Janjira, famed for its sea fort, is a significant landmark influencing local wind patterns. The surrounding landscape is a mix of coconut groves, agricultural land – primarily rice paddies and horticulture – and dense vegetation on the hillsides. While not directly within a major industrial belt, proximity to industrial areas further north along the Mumbai-Pune corridor contributes to regional background pollution. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp; Murud itself is a concentrated settlement, transitioning quickly to rural agricultural areas. This proximity to both the sea and agricultural practices introduces complexities to air quality, with sea breezes potentially dispersing pollutants but also carrying salt spray, and agricultural activities contributing to particulate matter from dust and biomass burning. The town’s elevation, relatively low-lying, limits atmospheric mixing and can exacerbate pollution episodes, particularly during calm weather conditions. The coastal location means it is also vulnerable to long-range transport of pollutants from other regions.

Murud experiences a distinct wet and dry season, heavily influenced by the Southwest Monsoon. Air quality generally improves dramatically during the monsoon months (June-September) as heavy rainfall effectively washes away particulate matter and increased humidity suppresses dust. However, this period can also see increased fungal spores affecting respiratory health. October-November marks a transition period with gradually decreasing rainfall and rising temperatures, often accompanied by stagnant air, leading to a build-up of pollutants. The dry season (December-May) presents the most challenging air quality conditions. Winter months (December-February) often experience temperature inversions, trapping pollutants near the ground, particularly from local vehicular emissions and household cooking. March-May are typically the hottest and driest months, with increased dust from construction and agricultural activities, and potential for wildfires in surrounding vegetation. These months are best avoided for strenuous outdoor activity. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit exposure during the dry season, particularly in the late afternoon and early evening when pollution levels tend to peak. Using masks and avoiding peak traffic times are recommended. The post-monsoon period offers the most favourable conditions for outdoor activities.