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Mohana, a small city nestled within the heart of Madhya Pradesh, India, occupies a relatively flat terrain at an elevation of approximately 210 meters (689 feet). Its coordinates (25.9027°N, 77.7715°E) place it within the Narmada River basin, though the city itself isn’t directly on the river, but benefits from the agricultural productivity the basin supports. The surrounding landscape is predominantly rural, characterized by agricultural lands – primarily wheat, rice, and pulses – interspersed with patches of deciduous forest typical of the region. Mohana’s urban character is that of a developing town, experiencing a gradual urban-rural gradient as it expands. While not a major industrial hub, the presence of small-scale brick kilns and stone crushing units in the surrounding areas contributes to localised particulate matter emissions. The city’s position inland means it’s shielded from direct coastal influences, but susceptible to continental air masses. The lack of significant topographical features to trap pollutants, combined with prevailing wind patterns, generally allows for some dispersion, though this is heavily influenced by seasonal changes. Dust from agricultural activities and unpaved roads is a consistent contributor to background particulate levels, impacting air quality, particularly during drier periods. The relatively low population density, compared to larger Indian cities, offers some mitigating factors, but increasing vehicle numbers are becoming a concern.

Mohana experiences a distinct seasonal air quality pattern dictated by the monsoon and post-monsoon periods. The summer months (March-May) bring consistently high temperatures and dry conditions, leading to increased dust suspension from agricultural lands and construction activities. This results in elevated particulate matter concentrations, making these months less favourable for outdoor activity, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. The arrival of the monsoon (June-September) offers a temporary respite, as rainfall effectively washes away pollutants and increases humidity, suppressing dust. However, increased cloud cover can also lead to temperature inversions, trapping pollutants near the ground. Post-monsoon (October-November) often sees a resurgence in pollution as agricultural burning increases following the harvest, and cooler temperatures contribute to stable atmospheric conditions. Winter (December-February) brings calm winds and temperature inversions, exacerbating the effects of biomass burning and vehicular emissions, making it the most challenging period for air quality. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular illnesses – should limit outdoor exposure during these peak pollution times. Monitoring local weather patterns and avoiding strenuous activity on poor air quality days is crucial.