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Attanūr, a small town in Tamil Nadu, India, rests at coordinates 11.5006°N, 78.1356°E, within the fertile Kaveri Delta region. The terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of this alluvial plain, with an elevation hovering around a few meters above sea level. This low-lying geography, coupled with its proximity to the Kaveri River and its tributaries, influences local humidity and temperature patterns. Attanūr is surrounded by intensely cultivated agricultural land, primarily paddy fields, sugarcane, and coconut groves, typical of the region. While not a major industrial hub itself, Attanūr’s location places it within reach of larger industrial zones in nearby cities like Tiruchirappalli and Thanjavur, contributing to regional pollution transport. The urban-rural gradient is sharp; Attanūr represents a relatively small settlement embedded within a largely agrarian landscape. This proximity to agricultural practices introduces potential sources of air pollution from biomass burning (agricultural residue) and fertilizer use. The lack of significant natural barriers to wind flow means pollutants can disperse, but also accumulate during periods of calm. The town’s small size and limited infrastructure contribute to localised pollution hotspots, particularly along major roadways. Understanding this geographic context is crucial for interpreting Attanūr’s air quality challenges.

Attanūr experiences a tropical climate, with air quality fluctuating significantly between the wet and dry seasons. The dry season, roughly from January to May, sees the poorest air quality. Lower humidity and stagnant air allow particulate matter from agricultural activities, road dust, and regional industrial sources to accumulate. February and March are particularly challenging, with increased biomass burning after harvests. The pre-monsoon months (April-May) bring hotter temperatures and potential for dust storms, further degrading air quality. The southwest monsoon arrives in June, offering a dramatic improvement. Heavy rainfall effectively washes away pollutants, and increased humidity suppresses dust. However, increased cloud cover can sometimes lead to temperature inversions, trapping pollutants near the ground. The monsoon season (June-September) generally offers the cleanest air. Post-monsoon (October-November) sees a gradual deterioration as agricultural activities resume and the air becomes drier. November can be problematic due to Diwali celebrations and associated firework emissions. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during the dry season, particularly February-May, and be mindful of firework-related pollution in November. Monitoring wind patterns and staying indoors during stagnant conditions is advisable.