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Sānwer, a municipality in the Indore district of Madhya Pradesh, India, occupies a relatively flat terrain within the Malwa Plateau. Situated at coordinates 22.9742°N, 75.8271°E, the city’s elevation is approximately 530 meters above sea level. This positioning influences air quality through limited natural dispersion of pollutants. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural, characterized by wheat, soybean, and cotton cultivation, with increasing pockets of small-scale industrial activity related to textile processing and food production. The Kshipra River flows nearby, but its influence on local air currents is moderate due to the relatively open terrain. Sānwer experiences a distinct urban-rural gradient; the city centre concentrates emissions from traffic and local businesses, while surrounding villages rely heavily on biomass burning for cooking and heating, contributing to regional background pollution. The city’s location within a landlocked state limits the influx of clean air masses from coastal regions. Dust from agricultural practices and unpaved roads is a significant contributor to particulate matter, exacerbated by seasonal wind patterns. The growing population of 17,365 further intensifies localised pollution sources, demanding careful urban planning to mitigate air quality impacts.

Sānwer’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern. The post-monsoon period (October-November) often sees the worst conditions. Reduced rainfall and stagnant air, coupled with agricultural residue burning after the harvest, lead to a build-up of particulate matter and other pollutants. Temperature inversions during cooler mornings trap pollutants near the ground. Winter (December-February) maintains poor air quality, though slightly less severe than the post-monsoon period, due to continued biomass burning and vehicular emissions. The pre-monsoon months (March-May) bring increasing temperatures and dust storms, elevating particulate matter levels. The monsoon season (June-September) provides a temporary respite, as rainfall washes away pollutants and increased humidity suppresses dust. However, increased cloud cover can also contribute to temperature inversions. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during October-February. March and April are also periods of concern. Monitoring wind direction is crucial; winds from agricultural areas will likely carry higher pollutant loads. Staying indoors during peak pollution times and using air purifiers are recommended preventative measures.