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Nellikkuppam is situated within the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, occupying a strategic position in the fertile coastal plains of southeastern India. The town is characterized by a predominantly flat terrain, typical of the Coromandel Coast, where the landscape is a mosaic of dense residential clusters and sprawling agricultural zones. Its regional position places it as a satellite hub between the industrial corridors of Cuddalore and the rural hinterlands of the interior plains. The surrounding landscape is dominated by lush paddy fields and coconut plantations, which provide a natural buffer but also contribute to seasonal particulate matter during harvest cycles. Being located relatively close to the Bay of Bengal, the town experiences a maritime influence that frequently introduces refreshing sea breezes, helping to disperse stagnant pollutants. However, the proximity to the Cuddalore industrial belt, known for chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing, means that Nellikkuppam often falls within the plume of regional industrial emissions depending on wind direction. The urban-rural gradient is sharp, with the town centre exhibiting higher traffic-related congestion while the periphery remains agrarian. This geographic duality creates a complex air quality profile where localized vehicular emissions mix with wide-area industrial pollutants. The low elevation ensures there are no significant topographic barriers to block airflow, yet the lack of verticality in the landscape can lead to the trapping of surface-level pollutants during periods of atmospheric and environmental stability, particularly during the cooler winter months.

Nellikkuppam follows a tropical climate pattern, where air quality is dictated by the rhythmic shifts of the southwest and northeast monsoons. During the hot, dry season from March to May, high temperatures and intense solar radiation increase the formation of ground-level ozone. The air often feels heavy, and dust from the surrounding agricultural lands becomes airborne, leading to a peak in particulate matter. As the southwest monsoon arrives in June, the frequent precipitation acts as a natural scrubber, washing pollutants from the atmosphere and resulting in the cleanest air of the year. This wet period is the ideal time for outdoor activities. However, the transition into the northeast monsoon from October to December brings a different challenge. While rains occur, the onset of winter introduces cooler temperatures and occasional temperature inversions. These inversions trap industrial emissions from the nearby Cuddalore belt and smoke from biomass burning in the surrounding fields close to the ground. January and February often see stagnant air, making these months the most hazardous for sensitive groups. Individuals with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should limit prolonged outdoor exertion during these early winter mornings when fog can trap pollutants. Health guidance for the community emphasizes wearing masks during the pre-monsoon dust peaks and avoiding dawn walks in December. By understanding these cycles, residents can effectively navigate the fluctuations between the refreshing maritime winds of the rainy season and the stagnant, pollutant-heavy air of winter.