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Hansot, a small town nestled in the Valsad district of Gujarat, India, occupies a geographically significant position within the broader landscape of western India. Located at approximately 21.58°N latitude and 72.80°E longitude, Hansot sits on a gently sloping plain, part of the larger Gujarat Plains, characterized by fertile alluvial soil deposited by the numerous rivers flowing from the Western Ghats. The town’s proximity to the Arabian Sea, roughly 20 kilometers to the west, influences local weather patterns and, to a lesser extent, air quality. The surrounding terrain is predominantly agricultural, with extensive fields of cotton, groundnuts, and rice dominating the rural landscape. This agricultural activity, while vital to the regional economy, contributes to seasonal particulate matter through biomass burning during harvest periods. To the east, the landscape gradually rises towards the foothills of the Western Ghats, a significant barrier influencing wind patterns and potentially trapping pollutants under certain meteorological conditions. Hansot’s urban character is that of a developing town, transitioning from a primarily rural settlement to a small industrial hub. The presence of small-scale industries, including textile processing and chemical units, contributes to localized air pollution. The urban–rural gradient is relatively sharp, with the town’s air quality generally deteriorating closer to industrial areas. The elevation is relatively low, around 25 meters above sea level, which can exacerbate the effects of temperature inversions, particularly during cooler months, hindering vertical mixing of pollutants. The regional position within Gujarat, a state experiencing rapid industrial growth, means Hansot is indirectly affected by broader pollution trends across the state’s industrial belts.

Hansot’s air quality experiences a distinct seasonal cycle dictated by the interplay of monsoon patterns, temperature fluctuations, and agricultural practices. The monsoon season, typically from June to September, brings relief from accumulated pollutants, with frequent rainfall effectively scrubbing the atmosphere. Wind speeds generally increase during this period, dispersing any remaining contaminants. However, the pre-monsoon months (March-May) often witness a significant deterioration in air quality. Rising temperatures lead to increased ground-level ozone formation, and stagnant air masses, coupled with occasional temperature inversions, trap pollutants near the surface. Agricultural burning, a common practice to clear fields for the next planting season, contributes substantially to particulate matter pollution during this period. The post-monsoon season (October-November) is characterized by cooler temperatures and calmer winds, which can lead to a build-up of pollutants, particularly in the mornings when fog often forms, further reducing visibility and trapping emissions. Winter months (December-February) are generally drier, with lower wind speeds, which can exacerbate the effects of localized industrial emissions and domestic burning. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods, limiting outdoor activity during peak pollution hours. During the monsoon, while overall air quality improves, heavy rainfall can still lead to localized flooding and associated waterborne illnesses. The dry season, particularly March to May, demands heightened awareness and proactive measures to minimize exposure to pollutants.