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Chanda, situated in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, India (23.6565°N, 80.7091°E), is a small city of approximately 17,088 inhabitants. The terrain surrounding Chanda is largely part of the Deccan Plateau, characterised by undulating plains and gentle hills. This plateau landscape influences air dispersal patterns, often limiting ventilation during calm weather conditions. The city’s elevation, around 335 meters, isn’t particularly high, but sufficient to experience temperature inversions, especially during winter months, trapping pollutants near the ground. Chanda is not directly adjacent to any major bodies of water, though smaller rivers and streams crisscross the surrounding agricultural land. The regional economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, with significant cultivation of cotton, wheat, and pulses. While Chanda itself isn’t a major industrial hub, its proximity to larger industrial areas within Madhya Pradesh contributes to regional background pollution levels. The urban-rural gradient is quite sharp; the city core quickly transitions into agricultural fields, meaning pollutants emitted within Chanda have limited opportunity for natural dispersion before impacting the local population. Dust from agricultural activities and unpaved roads further exacerbates particulate matter concentrations, particularly during the dry season. This combination of geographical and economic factors creates a unique air quality profile for Chanda.

Chanda experiences a distinct seasonal air quality pattern dictated by the monsoon and prevailing winds. The pre-monsoon months (March-June) see a gradual deterioration in air quality as temperatures rise and dust storms become frequent, increasing particulate matter. The monsoon season (July-September) typically brings a temporary respite, with rainfall effectively washing away pollutants and increasing humidity, which suppresses dust. However, increased cloud cover can also lead to temperature inversions, trapping pollutants at lower altitudes. October-November sees a return to drier conditions and a build-up of pollutants, exacerbated by post-harvest crop residue burning in surrounding agricultural areas. This period often represents the worst air quality of the year. Winter (December-February) is characterised by calm winds and frequent temperature inversions, trapping pollutants from domestic fuel burning (wood and biomass) and vehicle emissions. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during October-February. Avoiding peak traffic hours and exercising indoors on poor air quality days is advisable. The monsoon months generally offer the most favourable conditions for outdoor activity, though localised flooding can present other health risks.