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Kumaralingam, nestled in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, occupies a geographically significant position within the Kaveri Delta, a fertile and densely populated region. Located at approximately 10.4894° N, 77.3499° E, the city’s terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of deltaic landscapes, with an average elevation of just a few meters above sea level. This low elevation, coupled with its proximity to the Bay of Bengal, influences local weather patterns and, critically, air quality. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of agricultural fields – primarily rice paddies – interspersed with small villages and pockets of scrubland. The Kaveri River and its network of distributaries provide vital irrigation and support intensive farming practices, which can contribute to localized air pollution through agricultural burning, particularly during harvest seasons. To the west, the landscape gradually rises towards the Western Ghats, a significant mountain range that can sometimes act as a barrier to wind dispersal, trapping pollutants within the delta. The urban–rural gradient around Kumaralingam is relatively sharp; the city transitions quickly from built-up areas to agricultural land. While Kumaralingam itself is a small urban centre, it’s situated within a larger industrial belt concentrated along the major highways and river corridors of Tamil Nadu, potentially exposing it to pollutants transported from further afield. The flat topography and limited vertical mixing exacerbate the accumulation of pollutants, especially during periods of stagnant air.

Kumaralingam’s tropical climate dictates a distinct wet and dry season pattern, profoundly impacting its air quality. The dry season, typically spanning from March to May, is characterized by high temperatures and low humidity. This period often witnesses a noticeable increase in particulate matter as agricultural residue burning becomes prevalent during the post-harvest season. The lack of rainfall and reduced wind speeds during these months contribute to the stagnation of pollutants, leading to poorer air quality. Conversely, the monsoon season, from June to October, brings relief through frequent rainfall and increased wind speeds, effectively flushing out accumulated pollutants. However, the onset of the monsoon can initially be accompanied by increased humidity and fog, which can temporarily trap pollutants near the ground. November to February represents a transitional period with cooler temperatures and moderate humidity. While agricultural burning decreases, domestic sources of pollution, such as cooking fires and vehicle emissions, become relatively more significant. The city’s low elevation and flat terrain mean that temperature inversions, where cooler air is trapped beneath a layer of warmer air, are more likely to occur during the cooler months, further hindering vertical mixing and exacerbating pollution. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season and be mindful of potential fog-related pollution during the transitional months. Outdoor activities are generally more favourable during the monsoon season, although brief periods of poorer air quality can still occur.