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Hoshangābād, nestled in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, India, occupies a geographically significant position within the Narmada River valley. Located at approximately 22.75° N latitude and 77.73° E longitude, the city sits at an elevation of roughly 319 meters (1047 feet) above sea level. The surrounding landscape is predominantly characterized by fertile alluvial plains, a direct consequence of the Narmada’s meandering course. This river, considered sacred in Hinduism, plays a crucial role in the region’s agricultural productivity, supporting extensive cultivation of crops like wheat, rice, and pulses. The urban fabric of Hoshangābād is a blend of older, densely populated areas and newer, more planned developments, reflecting its gradual growth as a regional trading and administrative hub. The city’s proximity to the Satpura Range, to the south, influences local weather patterns and can contribute to occasional dust events. While not directly adjacent to a major industrial belt, Hoshangābād serves as a service center for surrounding agricultural areas, leading to vehicular traffic and potential emissions from agricultural machinery and related processing activities. The urban-rural gradient transitions relatively quickly, with agricultural land dominating the immediate periphery. The valley setting, while providing fertile soil, can also trap pollutants, particularly during periods of low wind speed, impacting local air quality. The relatively flat terrain limits natural dispersion of airborne contaminants, making the city susceptible to localized pollution build-up, especially during cooler months.

Hoshangābād experiences a distinct tropical climate with a pronounced wet and dry season, significantly influencing its air quality profile. The dry season, typically spanning from October to May, is characterized by lower humidity and increased temperature, often leading to stagnant air conditions. Temperature inversions, common during the cooler months (November-February), trap pollutants near the ground, exacerbating air quality concerns. Agricultural burning, a widespread practice in surrounding rural areas to clear fields for the next planting season, peaks in late October and November, contributing significantly to particulate matter pollution. Dust storms, originating from the nearby Satpura Range and the arid regions to the west, are also more frequent during this period. The monsoon season (June-September) brings relief, with increased rainfall and wind speeds dispersing pollutants. However, heavy rainfall can also lead to waterlogging and the release of pollutants from stagnant water sources. Fog, a frequent occurrence during the winter months, further restricts atmospheric mixing and traps pollutants. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly in November and December, and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure during periods of heavy agricultural burning or dust storms. During the monsoon, while overall air quality improves, vigilance regarding waterborne diseases is advised.