Thanjavur Air Quality Index (AQI) & Air Pollution Today

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

Thanjavur AQI Right Now

26

Category: Good

Dominant Pollutant: pm25

PM2.5: 15.34 µg/m³

PM10: 23.38 µg/m³

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

Thanjavur Pollutant Levels

PollutantConcentration
PM2.515.34 µg/m³
PM1023.38 µg/m³
O₃ (Ozone)37.34 µg/m³
NO₂12.08 µg/m³
SO₂3.08 µg/m³
CO259.71 µg/m³

Health Advisory — Thanjavur

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

Health Impact — Thanjavur

Cigarette Equivalent: Breathing this air is equivalent to smoking 0.7 cigarettes per day (based on current PM2.5 levels).

Life Expectancy Impact: Sustained exposure at this PM2.5 level could reduce life expectancy by 0.03 years (AQLI estimate, relative to WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³).

Health Recommendations for Thanjavur

  • 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 Thanjavur Air Quality

Thanjavur's air quality follows distinct agricultural cycles tied to the Cauvery delta's intensive rice cultivation. The post-harvest period from November to January sees widespread burning of paddy straw in surrounding villages, sending plumes of smoke into the urban atmosphere. Winter thermal inversions trap these emissions along with vehicular pollution from the city's congested commercial areas, creating prolonged periods of poor air quality. The delta's flat terrain and moisture-laden air can hold pollutants close to ground level for extended periods.

The hot summer months from March to May bring dust storms from dried-up riverbeds and fallow fields, elevating particulate matter concentrations despite reduced biomass burning. During the southwest monsoon, agricultural activity intensifies but frequent rains help cleanse the air. The northeast monsoon period marks both the kuruvai harvest season and the onset of winter stagnation, creating the year's most challenging air quality conditions. The city's dense population, narrow streets in the heritage zone, and high temple visitor traffic add to localized pollution hotspots.

Primary Pollution Sources

  • Crop residue burning
  • Vehicular emissions
  • Biomass burning for cooking
  • Road and construction dust
  • Temple activities and incense

Geography: Historic Cauvery delta city known as the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu, home to the UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswarar Temple and surrounded by extensive paddy fields.

Peak pollution months: November, December, January, February

Frequently Asked Questions — Thanjavur

Why does Thanjavur have poor air quality during harvest season?

The Cauvery delta's intensive paddy cultivation leads to large-scale stubble burning after harvests in November-December and April-May, with smoke affecting the city particularly during winter temperature inversions.

How does Thanjavur's location in the delta affect its air quality?

The flat delta terrain and moisture from irrigation channels create atmospheric conditions that trap pollutants close to the ground, while proximity to agricultural areas means smoke from biomass burning readily drifts into urban zones.

Air Quality in Nearby Cities