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Meiti, nestled in the state of Manipur, India (coordinates 24.2477°N, 94.3031°E), is a small urban centre with a population of approximately 16,847. The town occupies a relatively low-lying area within the Imphal Valley, a fertile basin surrounded by rolling hills and forested mountains. This valley location, while providing agricultural opportunities, also creates a topographical bowl effect, potentially trapping pollutants during periods of calm weather. The surrounding landscape is dominated by agricultural land, primarily paddy fields, interspersed with patches of forest. The Iril River flows nearby, influencing local humidity and potentially contributing to localised fog formation. Meiti’s position isn’t directly within a major industrial belt, but regional brick kilns and small-scale industries contribute to particulate matter. The urban-rural gradient is quite sharp; the town is a relatively concentrated settlement amidst a predominantly rural backdrop. This proximity to agricultural practices means seasonal burning of crop residue is a significant factor. The valley’s elevation, averaging around 790 meters, influences temperature variations and atmospheric stability, impacting pollutant dispersion. Understanding this interplay of terrain, land use, and climate is crucial for assessing Meiti’s air quality challenges.

Meiti’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern. The pre-monsoon months (March-May) typically see a deterioration in air quality due to increased temperatures and drier conditions, leading to dust resuspension from agricultural lands and road traffic. This period is often marked by increased instances of wildfires in the surrounding hills, further exacerbating particulate matter pollution. The arrival of the monsoon (June-September) brings 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) sees a resurgence of pollution as agricultural burning intensifies after the harvest. This is arguably the worst period for air quality. Winter (December-February) brings cooler temperatures and often foggy conditions, trapping pollutants and reducing visibility. During this time, domestic heating using biomass fuels contributes to indoor and outdoor air pollution. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Monitoring wind patterns is vital, as calm conditions exacerbate pollution build-up.