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Jhārgrām, nestled in the western reaches of West Bengal, India, occupies a relatively flat terrain within the Chota Nagpur Plateau region. Its coordinates (22.4500°N, 86.9800°E) place it within a predominantly rural landscape, though the town itself is a growing urban centre with a population of 61,712. The surrounding area is characterised by lateritic soil and dense sal forests, indicative of the region’s subtropical climate. The Subarnarekha River flows nearby, influencing local humidity and potentially contributing to localised temperature inversions, especially during cooler months. Jhārgrām isn’t directly within a major industrial belt, but its proximity to industrial areas in neighbouring districts like Purulia and West Midnapore means it can experience transboundary pollution. Agriculture dominates the surrounding land use, with rice cultivation being prevalent. This agricultural activity, while vital to the local economy, can contribute to seasonal biomass burning, impacting air quality. The urban-rural gradient is quite sharp; the town is a hub for surrounding villages, leading to increased vehicular traffic and localised emissions. The relatively low elevation and lack of significant topographical features limit natural dispersion of pollutants, making Jhārgrām susceptible to air quality issues, particularly during stagnant weather conditions.

Jhārgrām’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern. The post-monsoon months (October-November) often see a deterioration in air quality due to the practice of agricultural residue burning after the harvest. Calm winds and temperature inversions trap pollutants close to the ground. Winter (December-February) brings cooler temperatures and increased use of solid fuels for heating, further exacerbating particulate matter concentrations. This is a period to avoid strenuous outdoor activity, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. The pre-monsoon months (March-May) are characterised by rising temperatures and dust storms, contributing to increased levels of coarser particulate matter. The arrival of the monsoon (June-September) generally brings a significant improvement in air quality as rainfall washes away pollutants and increased humidity suppresses dust. However, increased cloud cover can also lead to stagnant air. While the monsoon offers relief, the high humidity can trigger mold growth indoors, impacting respiratory health. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions – should take extra precautions during the post-monsoon and winter months, limiting outdoor exposure and using air purifiers when possible.