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Sonāda, nestled in the Purba Bardhaman district of West Bengal, India, occupies a geographically significant position within the Ganges Delta region. Located at approximately 26.9620° N, 88.2684° E, the city’s terrain is predominantly flat, characteristic of the alluvial plains formed by the mighty Ganges River and its tributaries. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of fertile agricultural land, primarily rice paddies and jute fields, interspersed with small villages and scattered groves of mango and palm trees. Sonāda’s proximity to the Damodar River, a major east-flowing river, influences local microclimates and contributes to the region’s high humidity. The urban–rural gradient transitions rapidly; the city itself is relatively small, exhibiting a compact urban core surrounded by a dense agricultural belt. This close proximity to intensive agricultural practices, including the burning of crop residue after harvest, is a key factor impacting air quality. Further afield, the industrial belt around Durgapur, approximately 80 kilometers to the west, contributes to regional pollution transport. The elevation is low, generally below 20 meters above sea level, which can exacerbate the trapping of pollutants, particularly during periods of temperature inversion. The flat topography limits natural ventilation, hindering the dispersion of airborne contaminants. The deltaic nature of the region also means the soil is often waterlogged, potentially affecting the release of certain volatile organic compounds and contributing to localized air quality issues.

Sonāda’s air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern dictated by the region’s monsoon climate. The monsoon season, typically spanning June to September, brings relief from accumulated pollutants due to frequent rainfall and strong winds that effectively flush the atmosphere. However, the preceding pre-monsoon months (March-May) often witness a significant deterioration in air quality. This period is characterized by high temperatures, stagnant air, and the widespread practice of crop residue burning by farmers preparing fields for the monsoon planting. The resulting smoke plumes contribute substantially to particulate matter pollution. The post-monsoon season (October-November) can also experience periods of poor air quality, particularly when combined with fog formation. The cooler temperatures and increased humidity create conditions conducive to temperature inversions, trapping pollutants near the ground. During winter months (December-February), fog is common, further reducing visibility and exacerbating respiratory issues. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, limiting outdoor activities during peak pollution hours. Maintaining indoor air quality through ventilation and air purifiers is also advisable. The monsoon months generally offer the most favourable conditions for outdoor activity, although occasional heavy rainfall can still impact visibility and air quality. Awareness campaigns promoting sustainable agricultural practices and discouraging crop residue burning are crucial for mitigating seasonal pollution peaks.