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Bara Belun, nestled in the Purba Bardhaman district of West Bengal, India, occupies a geographically significant position within the Ganges Delta region. Located at approximately 23.4007° N, 87.9733° E, the city’s terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the alluvial plains formed by the mighty Ganges River and its tributaries. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of fertile agricultural land, primarily dedicated to rice cultivation and jute farming, interspersed with small villages and scattered groves of mango and palm trees. Bara Belun’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, exhibiting a gradual urban–rural gradient as one moves outwards. While Bara Belun itself possesses a limited industrial footprint, it lies within a broader agricultural belt and is relatively close to industrial zones concentrated around Durgapur and Asansol, approximately 60-80 kilometers to the west. These industrial areas contribute to regional air pollution, which can be transported to Bara Belun via prevailing wind patterns. The elevation is low, generally below 20 meters above sea level, which can exacerbate the trapping of pollutants, particularly during periods of temperature inversion. The flat topography limits natural ventilation, further impacting air quality and making the city susceptible to stagnant air conditions, especially during cooler months. The surrounding agricultural practices, including the burning of crop residue after harvest, also contribute to localized pollution episodes.

Bara Belun’s air quality experiences a distinct seasonal cycle heavily influenced by the monsoon climate of West Bengal. The monsoon season, typically spanning June to September, brings relief from accumulated pollutants as frequent rainfall washes particulate matter from the atmosphere and strong winds disperse emissions. However, the monsoon also introduces humidity, which can exacerbate respiratory issues for sensitive individuals. The pre-monsoon months (March-May) often witness a significant deterioration in air quality. Rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall create stable atmospheric conditions, promoting temperature inversions where cooler air is trapped beneath a layer of warmer air, preventing pollutants from dispersing. Agricultural burning, a common practice after the winter harvest, further compounds the problem during this period, releasing significant amounts of smoke and particulate matter. The winter months (November-February) are generally characterized by cooler temperatures and frequent fog, which traps pollutants near the ground, leading to periods of reduced visibility and elevated concentrations of fine particulate matter. While temperatures are lower, the lack of wind and the prevalence of fog can create stagnant air conditions. Outdoor activities are generally best avoided during the early morning hours in winter due to the dense fog and associated pollution. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, should take extra precautions during the pre-monsoon and winter months, limiting outdoor exposure and using air purifiers when possible. The post-monsoon period (October) sees a gradual improvement in air quality as rainfall decreases and winds pick up, but residual agricultural burning can still impact local conditions.