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Talegaon Dhamdhere, nestled in the Pune district of Maharashtra, India, occupies a geographically significant position within the Deccan Plateau. Located at coordinates 18.6678°N, 74.1536°E, the city’s terrain is characterised by undulating hills and valleys typical of the region. Its elevation, approximately 650 meters above sea level, influences local weather patterns and pollutant dispersion. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of agricultural lands, primarily sugarcane and fruit orchards, interspersed with small-scale industrial areas. Talegaon Dhamdhere benefits from relative proximity to the Bhima River, though not directly on its banks, which provides some localised humidity. The city is situated along the Pune-Mumbai highway (NH-60), a major transportation corridor, contributing to vehicular emissions. The urban-rural gradient is pronounced; the city core is relatively compact, quickly transitioning to agricultural fields and sparsely populated areas. This proximity to both industry and agriculture, coupled with the highway’s traffic, creates a complex interplay of emission sources. The prevailing winds, influenced by the Western Ghats, play a crucial role in dispersing or trapping pollutants, depending on seasonal variations. The city’s location within a valley can exacerbate pollution build-up during temperature inversions, hindering vertical mixing of air.

Talegaon Dhamdhere experiences a distinct wet and dry season, heavily influenced by the Indian monsoon. Air quality generally improves dramatically during the monsoon months (June-September) as rainfall effectively washes away particulate matter and increased humidity suppresses dust. However, increased cloud cover can also lead to stagnant air conditions. The post-monsoon period (October-November) sees a gradual deterioration in air quality as dust from agricultural activities and construction increases. Winter (December-February) is often the most polluted time, with cooler temperatures leading to temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the ground. Low wind speeds during this period further exacerbate the situation. March-May, the pre-monsoon period, witnesses rising temperatures and dust storms, contributing to high levels of particulate matter. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during winter and the pre-monsoon season. Monitoring local weather forecasts is crucial. Avoiding peak traffic hours and exercising indoors on days with poor visibility are recommended. The monsoon offers the most favourable conditions for outdoor activities, but caution is still advised due to potential waterborne diseases.