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Wālājābād, a small town in Tamil Nadu, India, sits at coordinates 12.7904°N, 79.8236°E, within the fertile Kaveri Delta region. Its relatively low elevation, typical of the coastal plains, contributes to limited atmospheric dispersion of pollutants. The town is nestled amidst predominantly agricultural land, primarily paddy fields, interspersed with coconut groves and smaller settlements. This agrarian landscape, while providing a rural buffer, also introduces sources of air pollution from agricultural practices like stubble burning and fertilizer use. Wālājābād’s proximity to the Bay of Bengal influences its climate, bringing monsoon rains and humidity. The surrounding terrain is largely flat, lacking significant topographical features to break up wind patterns and flush out pollutants. While not a major industrial hub itself, Wālājābād’s location within the broader Tamil Nadu industrial corridor means it can experience transboundary pollution from nearby manufacturing zones. The urban-rural gradient is pronounced, with a clear distinction between the town centre and the surrounding agricultural areas. This gradient impacts air quality, with higher concentrations of pollutants typically found closer to human activity and transport routes. The local waterways, canals and tributaries of the Kaveri, contribute to humidity and can influence local microclimates, affecting pollutant dispersion.

Wālājābād experiences a tropical climate, with air quality fluctuating significantly between the wet and dry seasons. The dry season, roughly from January to May, sees a build-up of particulate matter due to reduced rainfall and increased dust from agricultural activities. Stable atmospheric conditions and lower wind speeds during these months exacerbate pollution. February and March are typically the worst months for air quality, with increased burning of agricultural waste after the harvest. The arrival of the southwest monsoon in June brings a dramatic improvement, washing away pollutants and increasing humidity. However, the monsoon can also lead to localised flooding and the spread of fungal spores, impacting respiratory health. Post-monsoon, from September to November, sees a moderate improvement, but lingering humidity and calm winds can still trap pollutants. The northeast monsoon, arriving in late November, brings another period of cleansing rains. December offers the most favourable conditions for outdoor activity, with cooler temperatures and relatively clean air. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor exposure during the dry season, particularly February-March, and take precautions during periods of high humidity.