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Kumarkhāli, a small town in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal, India, occupies a relatively flat, low-lying portion of the Ganges Delta. Situated at coordinates 22.3598°N, 88.7990°E, its elevation is minimal, making it particularly vulnerable to localised flooding and the effects of regional air stagnation. The surrounding landscape is dominated by intensely cultivated agricultural land, primarily rice paddies, interspersed with small villages and pockets of deciduous forest remnants. The Bhagirathi River, a major distributary of the Ganges, flows nearby, influencing local humidity and potentially contributing to atmospheric moisture that can trap pollutants. Kumarkhāli’s position within the Indo-Gangetic Plain means it experiences limited natural ventilation, especially during winter months. While not a major industrial hub itself, the town’s proximity to larger industrial areas further south and west in West Bengal and Bangladesh means it can be affected by long-range transport of pollutants. The urban-rural gradient is sharp; Kumarkhāli represents a concentrated point of activity within a largely agrarian setting. This concentration, coupled with reliance on biomass burning for cooking and heating, contributes to localised air quality challenges. Dust from agricultural activities and unpaved roads also plays a significant role.

Kumarkhāli’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern. The post-monsoon period, from October to November, often sees a deterioration in air quality. Reduced rainfall leads to increased dust suspension from agricultural lands and construction, while cooler temperatures encourage temperature inversions, trapping pollutants near the ground. Winter, from December to February, is typically the worst period, with stagnant air masses and increased reliance on solid fuel for heating exacerbating particulate matter concentrations. Fog formation further reduces visibility and traps pollutants. The pre-monsoon months, March to May, bring rising temperatures and dry winds, which can carry dust and pollutants from surrounding areas. The arrival of the monsoon in June brings a temporary respite, as rainfall washes away pollutants and increased humidity suppresses dust. However, increased cloud cover can also lead to reduced sunlight, potentially impacting photochemical smog formation. August and September, while still wet, can see localised pollution from stagnant water and increased biological activity. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during the winter and post-monsoon seasons. Monitoring local weather patterns and avoiding peak pollution times is advisable.