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Sohāna, a city nestled within the Punjab state of India at approximately 30.6833°N, 76.7000°E, occupies a relatively flat expanse of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. With a population of around 20,000, it’s a small urban centre experiencing the pressures of regional growth. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural, characterized by intensive farming of wheat, rice, and sugarcane. This agricultural dominance significantly impacts air quality through seasonal crop residue burning. Sohāna’s elevation is low, contributing to the potential for temperature inversions, trapping pollutants near the ground. The Sutlej River flows some distance to the north, offering limited influence on local wind patterns but contributing to regional humidity. While not directly within a major industrial belt, Sohāna benefits from, and is affected by, the industrial activity concentrated in nearby cities like Ludhiana and Mohali. The urban-rural gradient is sharp; the city itself is compact, quickly giving way to farmland. This proximity to agricultural practices, combined with the flat terrain and potential for atmospheric stagnation, creates a challenging environment for maintaining clean air. Dust from agricultural activities and unpaved roads further exacerbates particulate matter concentrations, particularly during drier months. The city’s location within the Indo-Gangetic Plain, a known hotspot for air pollution, makes it particularly vulnerable.

Sohāna’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern. The post-monsoon period, from October to November, is typically the most polluted. This coincides with the widespread burning of rice paddy stubble, releasing massive amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants. Shallow temperature inversions during cooler months trap this pollution, leading to stagnant air and reduced visibility. December and January see continued elevated pollution levels, though slightly less intense than the peak burning season, due to continued reliance on biomass burning for heating. The summer months, from April to June, bring some relief as higher temperatures and winds disperse pollutants, though dust storms originating from the west can temporarily worsen conditions. The monsoon season, from July to September, generally offers the cleanest air, as rainfall washes away pollutants and increased humidity suppresses dust. However, increased traffic congestion due to monsoon-related disruptions can locally elevate emissions. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should avoid strenuous outdoor activity during October-November and December-January. Monitoring local conditions and limiting exposure during peak pollution periods is crucial for protecting health. The monsoon offers the most favourable conditions for outdoor activities.