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Raipur, situated in the state of Chhattisgarh, India, occupies a geographically significant position within the eastern Deccan Plateau. Its coordinates, 26.0500° N, 74.0200° E, place it amidst a landscape characterized by gently undulating terrain and predominantly black cotton soil, historically conducive to agriculture. The city’s urban sprawl is interwoven with a gradual urban-rural gradient, transitioning from dense residential areas to agricultural fields and scattered villages. Surrounding Raipur are expansive plains, punctuated by the occasional hillock, and the landscape is largely flat, which can exacerbate air pollution episodes due to limited dispersion. The Mahanadi River flows nearby, offering some localized humidity but not significantly impacting regional air quality patterns. Raipur’s regional position is crucial; it lies within a zone experiencing increasing industrial activity, particularly related to coal mining and steel production, a legacy of Chhattisgarh’s rich mineral resources. These industries, coupled with a growing transportation sector, contribute significantly to the city’s pollution profile. The elevation, relatively low at around 300 meters above sea level, contributes to temperature inversions during cooler months, trapping pollutants closer to the ground. The surrounding landscape, a mix of agricultural land and developing industrial belts, creates a complex interplay of sources and sinks for atmospheric pollutants, influencing Raipur's overall air quality. The city’s growth has outpaced infrastructure development, further compounding air quality challenges.

Raipur’s air quality exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern dictated by the interplay of meteorological factors and anthropogenic emissions. The dry, cooler months (November to February) typically witness the poorest air quality. Temperature inversions, common during this period, trap pollutants near the surface, leading to stagnant air and elevated concentrations. Fog, frequently occurring in December and January, further restricts dispersion. Agricultural burning, a practice prevalent in surrounding rural areas, adds to the particulate matter load. The pre-monsoon season (March to May) brings rising temperatures and occasional dust storms, contributing to elevated levels of particulate matter. The onset of the monsoon (June to September) provides a welcome respite, as rainfall effectively washes away pollutants and strong winds facilitate dispersion. However, heavy rainfall can also lead to localized flooding and associated issues. The post-monsoon season (October) sees a gradual decrease in rainfall and a return to calmer conditions, with a slow build-up of pollutants. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry winter months and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure. During the pre-monsoon season, staying indoors during dust storms is advisable. While the monsoon offers cleaner air, those with allergies should be mindful of pollen counts. Overall, minimizing outdoor activities during peak pollution periods and utilizing air purifiers indoors are recommended strategies for mitigating exposure.