Mayiladuthurai Air Quality Index (AQI) & Air Pollution Today

Tamil Nadu, India — Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) and PM2.5

Mayiladuthurai AQI Right Now

25

Category: Good

Dominant Pollutant: pm10

PM2.5: 6.91 µg/m³

PM10: 24.58 µg/m³

Last updated: 2026-03-24 — Data source: Google Air Quality API (NAQI). Live NAQI values load when you visit the page.

Mayiladuthurai Pollutant Levels

PollutantConcentration
PM2.56.91 µg/m³
PM1024.58 µg/m³
O₃ (Ozone)20.31 µg/m³
NO₂12.7 µg/m³
SO₂3.9 µg/m³
CO335.17 µg/m³

Health Advisory — Mayiladuthurai

Good: Minimal impact on health. Great day to be outdoors!

Health Impact — Mayiladuthurai

Cigarette Equivalent: Breathing this air is equivalent to smoking 0.3 cigarettes per day (based on current PM2.5 levels).

Health Recommendations for Mayiladuthurai

  • General Population: Air quality is satisfactory. Enjoy outdoor activities.
  • Elderly: No special precautions needed.
  • Children: Great day for outdoor play.
  • Lung Disease Patients: No restrictions on outdoor activities.

Understanding Mayiladuthurai Air Quality

Mayiladuthurai sits in the heart of the Cauvery Delta, where air quality follows the agricultural calendar. The northeast monsoon from October to December brings most of the annual rainfall, temporarily cleansing the air. However, once the rains subside in late December and January, the region experiences its worst pollution as farmers burn rice straw and stubble across thousands of hectares after the samba paddy harvest. Smoke from these fires often creates a visible haze that blankets the town.

As a major temple town attracting pilgrims year-round, Mayiladuthurai has unique pollution sources including incense burning and increased vehicular traffic during festival periods. The winter months from December to February see the highest visitor numbers, coinciding with peak agricultural burning season. Rice mills operating on the outskirts add to particulate emissions, especially during the winter processing season when paddy from the delta harvest is milled.

Summer months from March to May bring hot, humid conditions with temperatures around 35-38°C. While agricultural burning decreases, road dust from unpaved areas near the Cauvery riverbanks and construction activities contribute to PM10 levels. The town's proximity to the coast (about 30 km inland) means it receives moderate sea breeze effects during late afternoons, providing some relief from the heat and mild air quality improvement.

Primary Pollution Sources

  • Agricultural burning
  • Vehicular emissions
  • Rice mills
  • Temple incense
  • Biomass combustion

Geography: New district headquarters on the Cauvery River, major pilgrimage center in the fertile delta region.

Peak pollution months: November, December, January, February

Frequently Asked Questions — Mayiladuthurai

What causes poor air quality in Mayiladuthurai during winter?

The primary cause is large-scale paddy stubble burning in the surrounding Cauvery Delta after the winter harvest season. Rice mill operations and increased pilgrimage traffic during festival season also contribute to elevated pollution levels.

How does the Cauvery River affect air quality in Mayiladuthurai?

The river itself does not directly affect air quality, but the fertile delta region supports intensive rice cultivation. During harvest seasons, crop residue burning on these agricultural lands significantly impacts air quality in the town.

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