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Nestled in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, Pollachi occupies a strategic position at the foothills of the Western Ghats, approximately 40 kilometres south of Coimbatore city. Situated at an elevation of around 300 metres above sea level, this market town lies within the fertile Pollachi–Udumalpet agricultural belt, renowned for its extensive coconut groves, sugarcane fields, and jaggery production. The town's geography is characterised by flat to gently undulating terrain, with the Anamalai Hills forming a dramatic backdrop to the west, while the Palghat Gap—a significant mountain pass—influences local wind patterns. Pollachi's urban character blends traditional bazaars with modern infrastructure, creating an urban–rural gradient where agricultural processing facilities operate in close proximity to residential areas. The Amaravathi River flows nearby, though its seasonal nature means it doesn't significantly moderate local air quality. This geographical setting creates a perfect storm for air pollution: the surrounding hills can trap pollutants during calm conditions, while the town's position as an agricultural processing hub means coconut desiccating units, jaggery manufacturing, and biomass burning occur year-round. The combination of industrial emissions from processing facilities, vehicular traffic along the Pollachi–Palani corridor, and agricultural dust creates complex pollution mixtures that are exacerbated by the town's topography.

Pollachi's tropical wet-and-dry climate creates distinct seasonal air quality patterns that directly impact residents' health. During the northeast monsoon season (October–December), pollution begins accumulating as cooler temperatures and reduced wind speeds create stable atmospheric conditions that trap pollutants near the surface. The peak pollution months of November through February see the worst air quality, as temperature inversions become frequent overnight and in early morning hours, preventing vertical dispersion of emissions from coconut processing, jaggery production, and biomass burning. This period coincides with increased agricultural activity post-monsoon, when crop residue burning and processing dust combine with vehicular emissions. Sensitive groups including children, elderly residents, and those with respiratory conditions should limit outdoor activities during morning hours in these months. The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings cleansing rains that wash pollutants from the air, though occasional flooding can stir up sediments. March through May experiences improving conditions as stronger winds help disperse pollutants, though extreme heat can increase ozone formation. The most favourable months for outdoor activity are typically July through September, when monsoon rains have cleared the air, though humidity remains high. Throughout the year, residents should monitor local air quality reports, particularly during the hazardous peak pollution season when particulate matter concentrations reach their highest levels.