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Surajgarha, situated in Bihar's Lakhisarai district at coordinates 25.2500°N, 86.2300°E, occupies a strategic position in the Gangetic Plain of South Asia. This urban settlement lies approximately 150 kilometers east of Patna, Bihar's capital, and rests at a modest elevation of around 50 meters above sea level, characteristic of the region's flat alluvial terrain. The city's geography is defined by its proximity to the Ganges River system, with the Kiul River flowing nearby, though not directly through the urban core. This location places Surajgarha within one of India's most intensive agricultural zones, where rice and wheat cultivation dominate the landscape, creating a distinct urban-rural gradient. The surrounding area transitions from dense urban development to vast farmlands, with minimal forest cover. This setting significantly impacts air quality through agricultural residue burning, especially post-harvest, and dust from unpaved rural roads. The city's position in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, flanked by the Himalayas to the north, contributes to atmospheric stagnation during certain seasons, trapping pollutants. Urban sources include vehicular emissions from National Highway 333B, small-scale industries, and domestic fuel use, compounded by the region's high population density. The lack of significant water bodies within the immediate urban area reduces natural cleansing effects, while the flat topography allows pollutants to disperse widely but also accumulate under specific meteorological conditions.

Surajgarha's air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern influenced by the monsoon climate of eastern India. During winter (December-February), pollution typically peaks due to temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the surface, combined with increased biomass burning for heating and agricultural residue disposal. This period often sees dense fog and low wind speeds, exacerbating particulate matter accumulation. Sensitive groups, such as those with respiratory conditions, should limit outdoor activities during morning hours when inversion layers are strongest. Spring (March-May) brings rising temperatures and occasional dust storms from the Thar Desert region, though pre-monsoon showers in May can provide temporary relief. The summer monsoon (June-September) offers the cleanest air, as heavy rainfall scrubs pollutants from the atmosphere and strong southwesterly winds aid dispersion—this is the optimal time for outdoor activities. Post-monsoon (October-November) sees a rapid deterioration in air quality due to crop residue burning in surrounding agricultural fields, calm winds, and the onset of cooler temperatures. Throughout the year, meteorological factors like wind direction shifts between continental and maritime air masses, humidity levels affecting aerosol formation, and the intensity of the monsoon withdrawal critically shape pollution dynamics. Residents should monitor local weather advisories, particularly during transition seasons when pollution levels fluctuate most dramatically.