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Sivalārkulam, a small town in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, India, is situated at 8.8700°N latitude and 77.5267°E longitude. The town’s geography is characterised by relatively flat, coastal plains, typical of this region of the Coromandel Coast. Its elevation is low, contributing to limited atmospheric dispersion of pollutants. Sivalārkulam is positioned inland from the Gulf of Mannar, approximately 15-20 kilometers from the coastline, meaning it doesn’t benefit from strong sea breezes for consistent pollutant removal. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural, with significant cultivation of rain-fed crops like millet, pulses, and cotton. While not a major industrial hub itself, Sivalārkulam is within reach of larger industrial areas in Thoothukudi, particularly the port and associated chemical and thermal power plants. This proximity introduces the potential for long-range transport of pollutants. The urban-rural gradient is quite sharp; the town itself is compact, quickly transitioning to agricultural fields. Dust from agricultural activities, particularly during harvesting and land preparation, is a significant local source of particulate matter. The limited green cover within the town exacerbates the heat island effect and reduces the natural filtration of airborne pollutants. This combination of factors creates a localized environment susceptible to air quality challenges.

Sivalārkulam experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, heavily influencing its air quality. The dry season, from February to May, sees consistently higher levels of particulate matter due to reduced rainfall and increased dust from agricultural practices and road traffic. Hot, dry winds exacerbate the situation, limiting pollutant dispersion. April and May are typically the least favourable months for outdoor activity, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. The southwest monsoon arrives in June, bringing significant rainfall that temporarily washes pollutants from the atmosphere, resulting in improved air quality. However, increased humidity can also promote the formation of secondary pollutants. The post-monsoon season (October-November) sees a gradual return to drier conditions and a corresponding increase in dust and particulate matter. November can be problematic as the monsoon’s cleansing effect diminishes. The northeast monsoon, from October to December, brings another period of rainfall, though often less intense than the southwest monsoon. Temperature inversions, common during cooler nights, can trap pollutants near ground level, worsening air quality. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the dry seasons and periods of temperature inversion.