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Gadarpur, nestled in the Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand, India, occupies a geographically significant position within the Terai region, a fertile alluvial plain bordering the foothills of the Himalayas. Located at approximately 29.0437° N, 79.2465° E and an elevation of roughly 285 meters (935 feet), the city’s terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the Terai’s floodplains. The Ramganga River flows nearby, influencing local humidity and microclimates. Gadarpur’s urban character is that of a rapidly developing town, transitioning from a primarily agricultural area to a hub for trade and light industry, serving as a gateway to the Himalayan regions. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of agricultural fields – primarily sugarcane, wheat, and rice – interspersed with pockets of sal forests and scattered rural settlements. This agricultural intensity contributes to seasonal biomass burning, a significant factor in local air quality. To the north, the gradual ascent towards the Shivalik Hills creates a topographical barrier that can trap pollutants, particularly during periods of low wind speed. The urban–rural gradient is relatively sharp, with the town’s built environment expanding outwards, encroaching upon agricultural land. The proximity to industrial zones in nearby areas like Kashipur and Haldwani further introduces industrial emissions into the regional air shed. The flat terrain and surrounding agricultural and industrial activity combine to create a vulnerability to air pollution accumulation, especially during specific meteorological conditions.

Gadarpur’s air quality experiences a distinct seasonal cycle heavily influenced by regional weather patterns and agricultural practices. The pre-monsoon season (March-May) typically witnesses the poorest air quality. This period is marked by high temperatures, stagnant air, and frequent temperature inversions, trapping pollutants close to the ground. Agricultural residue burning, a common practice after the harvest of crops like wheat and sugarcane, significantly contributes to particulate matter pollution during these months. The monsoon season (June-September) brings relief, with increased rainfall and stronger winds dispersing pollutants. However, heavy rainfall can also lead to localized flooding and associated waterborne pollutants. Post-monsoon (October-November) sees a return to conditions similar to the pre-monsoon, with cooler temperatures and a resurgence of agricultural burning as farmers prepare fields for the next planting season. Winter months (December-February) are generally cooler, with periods of dense fog, which further exacerbates air quality issues by trapping pollutants and reducing visibility. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, limiting outdoor activities during peak pollution periods. Maintaining indoor air quality through ventilation and air purifiers is also advisable. The combination of agricultural practices, topography, and meteorological conditions creates a complex interplay that dictates Gadarpur’s air quality throughout the year, demanding proactive mitigation strategies.