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Daboh, a small city nestled within the state of Madhya Pradesh, India, occupies a geographically significant position in the central Indian landscape. Located at coordinates 26.0024°N, 78.8766°E, the city sits on relatively flat terrain characteristic of the Malwa Plateau, an expansive volcanic tableland. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural, dominated by wheat, soybean, and cotton cultivation, interspersed with scattered deciduous forests. Daboh’s elevation is modest, contributing to limited natural dispersion of pollutants. The Betwa River flows nearby, though its influence on local air quality is more related to irrigation practices and potential dust generation from exposed riverbeds during drier periods than direct emissions. The urban-rural gradient is quite sharp; Daboh itself is a relatively compact urban centre, quickly giving way to rural farmland. This proximity to agricultural activities introduces seasonal burning of crop residue as a key factor influencing air quality. While not a major industrial hub, the presence of small-scale brick kilns and stone crushing units in the surrounding areas contributes to particulate matter pollution. The city’s location, shielded by no major mountain ranges, means it’s susceptible to air mass stagnation, particularly during the winter months, exacerbating pollution build-up. This combination of factors makes Daboh’s air quality particularly sensitive to local activities and meteorological conditions.

Daboh experiences a distinct seasonal air quality pattern dictated by the monsoon and post-monsoon periods. The monsoon season (July-September) generally brings a temporary respite from pollution, as rainfall effectively washes away particulate matter and increased humidity suppresses dust. However, this is followed by a deterioration in air quality during October-November, coinciding with the post-monsoon period and the widespread burning of crop residue from the harvested Kharif crops. This practice releases significant amounts of smoke and particulate matter, leading to hazy conditions. Winter (December-February) is typically the worst period for air quality, characterized by low temperatures, calm winds, and frequent temperature inversions. These conditions trap pollutants near the ground, leading to a build-up of smog. March-June sees a gradual improvement as temperatures rise and winds pick up, dispersing pollutants, though dust storms are common during the pre-monsoon season. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should avoid prolonged outdoor activity during October-February. During the monsoon, while air is cleaner, increased humidity can trigger respiratory issues in some. Monitoring local weather patterns and avoiding peak pollution times is crucial for maintaining health.