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Bāgnān, nestled in the Purba Bardhaman district of West Bengal, India, occupies a geographically significant position within the Ganges Delta region. Located at approximately 22.47°N, 87.97°E, the city’s terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the fertile alluvial plains formed by the Ganges River and its tributaries. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of agricultural fields – primarily rice paddies and jute cultivation – interspersed with small villages and scattered groves of mango and palm trees. Bāgnān’s proximity to the Hugli River, a distributary of the Ganges, influences local microclimates and contributes to humidity levels. The urban character is that of a small, developing town, largely reliant on agriculture and small-scale industries, including rice milling and jute processing. The urban–rural gradient is gradual, with agricultural land extending almost seamlessly into the town’s periphery. This close integration with agricultural practices, while vital for the local economy, can contribute to seasonal particulate matter pollution from crop residue burning. Further afield, the industrial belt around Burdwan and Asansol, approximately 50-70 kilometers to the northwest, can occasionally impact Bāgnān’s air quality through long-range transport of pollutants. The relatively low elevation (around 20 meters above sea level) and flat topography limit natural dispersion of pollutants, potentially leading to stagnation during periods of low wind speed. The deltaic environment also means the area is susceptible to flooding, which can temporarily exacerbate air quality issues by stirring up sediments and organic matter.

Bāgnān’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern dictated by the region’s monsoon climate. The monsoon season, typically from June to September, brings relief from accumulated pollutants due to frequent rainfall and increased wind speeds, effectively flushing the atmosphere. However, the preceding pre-monsoon months (March-May) often witness a significant deterioration in air quality. This is largely attributable to agricultural practices; farmers frequently burn crop residue after the harvest of rice and jute, releasing substantial amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants. The hot, dry conditions during this period exacerbate the problem, creating stable atmospheric conditions that trap pollutants near the ground. Fog, common during the winter months (November-February), further compounds the issue by reducing visibility and hindering pollutant dispersion. Temperature inversions, where cooler air is trapped beneath a layer of warmer air, are also more frequent during winter, preventing vertical mixing and concentrating pollutants. The post-monsoon season (October) sees a gradual improvement as agricultural burning decreases, but lingering humidity can still affect air quality. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the pre-monsoon and winter months, limiting outdoor activities during peak pollution periods. Maintaining indoor air quality through ventilation and air purifiers is also advisable. Awareness campaigns promoting alternative agricultural practices, such as crop residue management techniques, are crucial for mitigating the seasonal pollution peaks.