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Belūr, nestled in the Erode district of Tamil Nadu, India, presents a unique geographic context influencing its air quality. Situated at coordinates 11.7075°N, 78.4144°E, the town occupies a relatively flat terrain within the broader Kongu Nadu region. The landscape is predominantly agricultural, characterized by extensive coconut groves, paddy fields, and banana plantations, typical of the Kaveri Delta influence despite being slightly removed from the main river course. Belūr’s elevation is modest, around 230 meters above sea level, minimizing the impact of high-altitude weather patterns but not eliminating temperature inversions. The nearby Kaveri River, while not immediately adjacent, contributes to humidity levels. The town’s position isn’t directly within a major industrial belt, but Erode city, a textile hub, lies within a 30km radius, representing a potential source of particulate matter and gaseous pollutants carried by prevailing winds. The urban-rural gradient is pronounced; Belūr itself is a relatively small town, but is increasingly connected to larger urban centres. This connectivity brings increased vehicular traffic, contributing to localised pollution. Dust from agricultural activities, particularly during harvest seasons, also plays a significant role. The surrounding hills offer limited natural ventilation, occasionally trapping pollutants during calm weather conditions.

Belūr experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, profoundly impacting air quality. The dry season, from February to May, sees a build-up of particulate matter due to agricultural burning, road dust, and reduced rainfall for atmospheric cleansing. March and April are typically the worst months for outdoor activity, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. Hot, dry winds exacerbate the situation. The southwest monsoon arrives in June, bringing significant rainfall that washes away pollutants, resulting in a temporary improvement in air quality. However, increased humidity can also foster mould growth, impacting sensitive individuals. The northeast monsoon, from October to December, delivers the bulk of the annual rainfall, further improving air quality, though localised flooding can disrupt traffic and increase dust from damaged roads. January and February offer the most favourable conditions, with cooler temperatures and lower humidity. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler months, can trap pollutants near the ground, even during the wet season. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory illnesses – should limit outdoor exposure during peak pollution periods and consider using air purifiers indoors.