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Pānskura, a municipality in the Purba Bardhaman district of West Bengal, India, occupies a geographically significant position within the Ganges Delta region. Located at approximately 22.4170° N latitude and 87.7000° E longitude, the town sits on relatively flat terrain, characteristic of the alluvial plains formed by the Hooghly River, a major distributary of the Ganges. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural, with fertile fields of rice and jute dominating the rural areas extending outwards. This proximity to intensive agricultural practices contributes to seasonal particulate matter, particularly during harvest periods when biomass burning is common. Pānskura’s elevation is low, generally below 15 meters above sea level, which can exacerbate air pollution episodes as stagnant air masses are more likely to accumulate near the surface. The town’s location along the Hooghly River influences local weather patterns, sometimes providing a degree of ventilation, but also introducing riverine pollutants. While not directly adjacent to a major industrial belt, Pānskura is within reasonable commuting distance of industrial areas further north and east, leading to vehicle emissions and potential industrial fallout. The urban–rural gradient is gradual, with smaller villages and agricultural holdings blending seamlessly into the town’s periphery. This blending creates a complex interplay between rural and urban pollution sources, impacting overall air quality. The deltaic nature of the region also means the soil is prone to dust generation, especially during drier periods, further complicating the air quality profile.

Pānskura’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern dictated by the region’s monsoon climate. The monsoon season, typically spanning June to September, brings relief from accumulated pollutants due to frequent rainfall and increased wind speeds, effectively flushing the atmosphere. However, the pre-monsoon period (March-May) often witnesses a significant deterioration in air quality. Rising temperatures lead to increased ground-level ozone formation, and stagnant air masses, coupled with dust storms originating from the northwest, trap pollutants. Agricultural burning, a common practice to clear fields for the Kharif season, contributes substantially to particulate matter during this time. The post-monsoon season (October-November) sees a gradual improvement, but lingering agricultural smoke and cooler temperatures can occasionally lead to fog, which traps pollutants near the ground. Winter months (December-February) are generally characterized by cooler temperatures and calmer winds, which can result in temperature inversions – a phenomenon where a layer of warm air sits above cooler air, preventing vertical mixing and trapping pollutants close to the surface. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the pre-monsoon and winter months, limiting outdoor exertion and monitoring for respiratory discomfort. During the monsoon, while overall air quality improves, heavy rainfall can still lead to localized flooding and the release of mould spores, impacting indoor air quality. Maintaining indoor ventilation and avoiding prolonged exposure to damp environments is advisable.