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Puduvayal, a small town in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, India, sits at coordinates 10.1034°N, 78.8462°E, and is home to a population of approximately 12,216. The town’s geography is characteristic of the Cauvery Delta region – a flat, low-lying plain formed by the alluvial deposits of the Cauvery River and its tributaries. Elevation is minimal, generally under 10 meters above sea level, contributing to limited natural dispersion of pollutants. Puduvayal is surrounded by intensely cultivated agricultural land, primarily paddy fields, interspersed with coconut groves and other crops. This agricultural dominance introduces seasonal biomass burning, a significant localised source of particulate matter. The town isn’t directly on the coast, but is within reasonable proximity to the Bay of Bengal, meaning humidity levels are consistently high. While not a major industrial hub itself, Puduvayal’s location within the broader Thanjavur district places it downwind of some industrial activity concentrated further north and west. The urban-rural gradient is sharp; Puduvayal represents a relatively small urban centre embedded within a largely rural landscape. This proximity means that agricultural practices and rural fuel use (wood and dung) heavily influence the local air quality, alongside vehicular emissions from the town itself. The flat terrain and limited wind flow exacerbate pollutant concentration, particularly during calmer weather conditions.

Puduvayal experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, profoundly impacting air quality. The dry season, roughly from February to May, sees a build-up of dust and particulate matter due to drier conditions and increased agricultural activity preparing fields for the monsoon. Temperatures rise, potentially leading to temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the ground. March and April are typically the worst months for air quality. The southwest monsoon arrives in June, bringing relief from the heat and washing away some pollutants, resulting in temporarily improved air quality. However, increased humidity can also promote the formation of secondary pollutants. The northeast monsoon, from October to December, is the primary rainfall season for this region, offering the most significant cleansing effect. November and December generally have the best air quality. Post-monsoon, from January to February, sees a gradual return to drier conditions and a slow increase in pollutant levels. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during the peak of the dry season (March-May) and be mindful of potential irritants during the monsoon periods. Biomass burning after harvest, common in the transition between seasons, is a key contributor to localised pollution spikes.