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Sānātikri, nestled in the Purba Bardhaman district of West Bengal, India, occupies a geographically significant position within the Ganges Delta region. Located at approximately 22.0230° N, 88.5033° E, the city’s terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the alluvial plains formed by the 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. This proximity to intensive agricultural practices contributes to seasonal particulate matter, particularly during harvest periods. Sānātikri sits relatively close to the Damodar River, though direct access is limited, influencing local humidity and potentially affecting pollutant dispersion. The urban–rural gradient transitions rapidly, with the city acting as a small service centre for the surrounding agricultural communities. While not directly adjacent to major industrial belts, it’s within reach of industrial zones concentrated further west, towards Durgapur and Asansol, which can contribute to transboundary pollution events. The elevation is low, generally below 20 meters above sea level, which can exacerbate the trapping of pollutants, especially during periods of temperature inversion. The flat topography and deltaic setting limit natural ventilation, hindering the dispersal of emissions from local sources like vehicular traffic and small-scale industries, and making the city susceptible to stagnant air conditions. The regional climate, dominated by a monsoon season, also plays a crucial role in air quality dynamics.

Sānātikri’s air quality experiences a distinct seasonal cycle heavily influenced by the region’s monsoonal climate. The pre-monsoon months (March-May) typically see the poorest air quality, characterized by rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall. This period often brings stagnant air conditions, with temperature inversions trapping pollutants close to the ground. Agricultural burning, a common practice to clear fields for the kharif (summer) crop, significantly contributes to particulate matter pollution during this time. The monsoon season (June-September) brings a dramatic improvement in air quality due to frequent rainfall, strong winds, and increased humidity, effectively flushing out pollutants. However, heavy rainfall can also lead to waterlogging and the release of bio-volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) from decaying vegetation. The post-monsoon season (October-November) is often marked by cooler temperatures and calmer winds, which can lead to a gradual deterioration in air quality as agricultural burning resumes in preparation for the rabi (winter) crop. Fog, common during these months, further exacerbates the problem by trapping pollutants. Winter (December-February) generally sees relatively cleaner air compared to the pre-monsoon period, although cold temperatures and calm conditions can still lead to localized pollution episodes. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, limiting outdoor activity during peak pollution periods and wearing appropriate masks when necessary. Maintaining indoor air quality through ventilation and air purification can also be beneficial.