The city of Thane is grappling with a severe air pollution crisis as recent government data revealed a hazardous Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 217 recorded on Thursday. This marks the third-worst air quality level the city has witnessed this year, coming after nearly ten months of relative improvement.
Pollution Hotspots and Contributing Factors
According to official records from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), Thursday's dangerous AQI level follows earlier peaks of 221 at Kasarwadavli and 219 at Upvan recorded back in January. Environmental experts classify any AQI reading above 200 as "poor" and posing serious health risks to residents.
The MPCB has identified several key contributors to Thane's deteriorating air quality. Infrastructure development projects, vehicle emissions, and possible waste burning have been confirmed as major pollution sources. The regulatory body has promised a thorough investigation into Thursday's significant AQI spike.
Specific areas have been identified as pollution hotspots. The Kasarwadavli stretch along Ghodbunder Highway is suffering due to ongoing metro construction and highway widening projects. Similarly, Upvan area is experiencing poor air quality because of the Thane-Borivli tunnel works in close proximity and consistently dense traffic along Pokhran Road.
Health Impacts and Expert Warnings
Medical professionals in Thane are already witnessing the health consequences of the polluted air. Dr. Alok Modi from Ghodbunder reported a significant 5-10% increase in patients suffering from respiratory disorders directly linked to the air quality deterioration.
"The prevailing air-quality situation poses a clear risk for people with breathing difficulties," Dr. Modi cautioned. "Constant exposure of vulnerable groups, particularly those with pre-existing lung conditions, children, and the elderly, to congested corridors along the Ghodbunder Highway could trigger coughing, breathlessness, and aggravated asthma."
Traffic authorities have joined health experts in addressing the crisis. DCP Pankaj Shirsat has urgently appealed to citizens to limit private vehicle usage and rely more on public transportation to help reduce emissions.
Environmental Analysis and Activist Concerns
A recent study conducted by environmental think-tank iFOREST highlighted elevated levels of PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ particles in Thane's atmosphere, exceeding the Central Pollution Control Board's winter standards. During a webinar hosted by the agency, activists revealed concerning insights about the city's pollution dynamics.
While Thane's coastal location naturally disperses approximately half of its pollution, significant gaps in waste management and recycling systems are exacerbating the problem. Insufficient processing hubs for segregating and processing recyclable waste often lead to plastic and other materials being dumped or burned, significantly worsening local air pollution.
Activists Chinuu Kwatra and Rohit Joshi echoed these concerns, emphasizing that "limited recycling facilities for segregating and processing recyclable waste often lead to plastic being dumped or burned, worsening local pollution."
Political figures have also weighed in on the environmental crisis. Shiv Sena UBT functionary Naresh Manera blamed the "reckless hacking of the green cover in the city" for the high pollution levels. He pointed out that "dense foliage along the Ghodbunder Highway and many other spots in the city which would soak in the pollutants were hacked to accommodate infra works which impacted the air quality."
Government Response and Mitigation Measures
MPCB chairman Siddhesh Kadam, who was in Thane last week, stressed the urgent need to improve the city's air quality and offered to install additional monitoring systems based on demand.
Meanwhile, Manisha Pradhan, chief environment officer at the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), acknowledged that construction activity and vehicular emissions remain the dominant contributors to Thane's air pollution. However, she claimed the administration's measures are already showing improvements in air quality.
"We have already started operating 123 e-buses and another 303 will be inducted soon," Pradhan stated. "Several crematoriums have shifted from firewood to gas, and bakeries are also adopting the shift from wood to gas-fired ovens. We are working on establishing a city-level coordination committee to ensure all departments work together on clean air actions."
As Thane residents face this environmental challenge, the collective efforts of government bodies, environmental experts, and citizen cooperation will be crucial in combating the dangerous air pollution levels and safeguarding public health.
