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Delhi Cantonment occupies a distinctive position within India's National Capital Region, situated southwest of central Delhi at coordinates 28.6000°N, 77.1333°E. This planned military and residential area lies on the flat Indo-Gangetic Plain at approximately 216 meters above sea level, with terrain characterized by gentle slopes toward the Yamuna River basin to the east. Geographically, it forms part of Delhi's urban continuum while maintaining semi-open spaces due to its cantonment status, creating a unique urban-rural gradient where military zones buffer dense residential clusters. The location places it directly within the National Capital Region's pollution plume, with the Thar Desert to the southwest influencing dust transport patterns. Proximity to the Yamuna River (about 15 kilometers east) provides minimal moderating effect on air quality, while the Aravalli Range remnants to the south offer slight topographic variation. Crucially, Delhi Cantonment sits embedded within Delhi's expansive urban heat island and pollution dome, with industrial belts in neighboring Ghaziabad and Faridabad contributing transported pollutants. Agricultural burning from Punjab and Haryana states to the northwest flows directly over the region during specific seasons. The cantonment's position makes it vulnerable to both local emissions from Delhi's vehicular fleet and regional pollution from the entire Indo-Gangetic Plain, with stagnant atmospheric conditions frequently trapping pollutants against the Himalayan foothills to the north.

Delhi Cantonment experiences dramatic seasonal air quality variations shaped by the region's monsoon-influenced climate. Winter (November-February) brings the most hazardous conditions, with peak pollution typically occurring in November and December when agricultural residue burning from northwestern states coincides with cold temperatures and temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the surface. Morning fog combines with particulate matter to create dense smog, making these months particularly challenging for outdoor activities. Spring (March-May) sees gradual improvement as temperatures rise and winds increase, though dust storms from the Thar Desert can cause sudden particulate spikes. The summer monsoon (June-September) provides the cleanest air, as heavy rains wash pollutants from the atmosphere and southwesterly winds disperse emissions—July and August offer the most favorable conditions for outdoor exertion. Autumn (October) marks the transition to worsening air quality as monsoon winds retreat and stubble burning begins. Sensitive groups including children, elderly residents, and those with respiratory conditions should minimize outdoor exposure during winter mornings, use air purifiers indoors, and schedule essential activities for afternoons when pollution typically disperses slightly. Monitoring local air quality forecasts is essential year-round, with particular vigilance needed during festival seasons when fireworks exacerbate baseline pollution.