Thane Faces Hazardous Air Quality Spike Amid Construction, Traffic Emissions, and Waste Burning

Thane’s air quality has surged to hazardous levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) spiking to 217 on Thursday. This marks the third highest reading of 2025, following January peaks of 221 at Kasarwadi and 219 at Upvan. The spike comes against a backdrop of aggressive construction, congested traffic, and unchecked waste burning, prompting immediate concern from residents, health officials and environmental groups.

Background and Context

Thane, part of the Mumbai metropolitan region, has long struggled with rising pollution due to rapid urbanisation. In 2025, the city has seen the most intense real‑estate development in the last decade, with metro lines, road widening projects and the new Thane–Borivali tunnel shaping its skyline. These activities generate large volumes of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and volatile organic compounds that are carried by dense traffic flows along the Ghodbunder Highway and Pokhran Road. Compounding the problem are the city’s inadequate waste management systems, where improper disposal and burning of household waste add to the fine‑dust load.

Unlike coastal cities that benefit from wind dispersion, Thane’s geography amplifies pollutant accumulation, especially during peak construction months and heavy‑traffic winter nights. The Ministry of Environment reports that PM2.5 levels in the city often exceed the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) recommended limit of 35 µg/m³, putting residents at risk of respiratory illnesses.

Key Developments

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) confirmed that infrastructure work, vehicle emissions and waste burning were the main culprits behind the latest spike. MPCB Chairman Siddhesh Kadam said, “The construction activities and vehicular exhaust—especially in the Ghodbunder stretch—have pushed the AQI into hazardous territory. We are conducting a comprehensive probe into the Thursday reading.”

• Construction: The Ghodbunder Highway widening, the Kasarwadi metro extension, and the Thane–Borivali tunnel operations have intensified dust pollution.
• Traffic: Peak congestion on Pokhran Road is contributing to high levels of nitrogen oxides and fine particles.
• Waste burning: Limited waste treatment capacity has led to plastic and municipal waste being burned open, a frequent sight in Thane’s residential neighborhoods.

Environmental experts from iFOREST noted that PM2.5 levels reached 68 µg/m³ on Thursday, double the CPCB’s winter standard. A recent study also linked these figures with a 6% rise in emergency room visits for asthma and respiratory distress in the city.

Impact Analysis

For international students studying in Thane or the wider Mumbai area, the hazardous air conditions raise safety concerns. Air pollutants can aggravate chronic respiratory conditions and increase susceptibility to infections—a critical issue for students in high‑density hostels and universities.

Health officials estimate that the increase in AQI could lead to an additional 120–150 emergency visits each week, a burden for emergency services that are already overtaxed by the city’s student population. The pollution also affects academic productivity; studies have shown a 12% decline in concentration scores among students exposed to high particulate concentrations.

Economic implications include potential loss of productivity for students who need to take medical leave and the burden on family members who must provide care, disrupting their academic plans.

Expert Insights and Practical Tips

Dr. Alok Modi, a pulmonologist at Ghodbunder General Hospital, advises students to:

• Wear mask levels FFP2 or higher** during commuting, especially when travelling on the Ghodbunder Highway or Pokhran Road.
• Use indoor air purifiers with HEPA filters while studying or sleeping in hostels.
• Avoid outdoor activities in the early evening when pollutant concentration peaks.
• Carry a bottled water bottle and stay hydrated to help the body expel toxins.