Thane’s rapid urbanisation is stretching the city’s limits, leading to worsening traffic congestion, air pollution, environmental degradation, and an overburdened infrastructure. Once celebrated as the serene ‘City of Lakes,’ Thane now mirrors Mumbai’s chaotic sprawl, with key junctions like Majiwada, Teen Haath Naka, and Ghodbunder Road plagued by daily gridlock. Commute times have doubled, while pollution levels continue to rise due to relentless construction and vehicular emissions. For the city’s older residents, Thane is now unrecognizable—a place where lush greenery has been replaced by concrete towers, and open spaces have vanished under rapid urban expansion.
Environmental activists warn that unless strict regulations on construction, expanded sewage treatment, and afforestation initiatives are enforced, Thane’s delicate ecological balance could be permanently lost. The push for urban forests in every ward, stricter accountability for builders, and establishing an independent tree committee underscores growing concerns about sustainable development.
While authorities emphasise infrastructure projects such as metro expansions, electric buses, and road widening, many residents believe these efforts only provide short-term relief and fail to address the consequences of unchecked urban sprawl. This raises a pressing question: Is Thane’s development genuinely improving residents’ quality of life, or is it merely a real estate-driven illusion?
According to Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) data, the city’s population reached 36,22,401 in 2021, with the Majiwada-Manpada area experiencing the most significant growth—from 2,23,027 in 2011 to 7,46,502 in 2021. Electoral data from October 2024 further highlights this demographic surge, with Ovala-Majiwada recording the highest number of voters at 5,45,110, followed by Thane constituency with 3,78,207 and Kopri Panchpakhadi with 3,39,526.
Covering 128.23 sq. km, Thane was home to 18.41 lakh people in 2011, making it one of the 18 urban centers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Census data shows a 45% population growth between 2001 and 2011, with the total share of Thane’s population within MMR standing at 8.08%. Notably, 9.45 lakh residents lived in unauthorized settlements, with a high gross population density of 144 ppha. The city’s literacy rate was recorded at 89.41%, and the average household size was five. The most significant population boom occurred between 1981 and 1991.
Thane’s rapid expansion has placed immense pressure on its infrastructure while also altering the character of its 35 lakes, which once defined the city’s natural beauty.
Defending Thane’s development, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske argued that despite rapid urbanization, the city has retained its core essence. “The simplicity and serenity of Thane remain intact despite its transformation. Roads are improving, top-tier schools are emerging, and green spaces continue to thrive. What’s the criticism really about?” he questioned.
Aseem Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department, Maharashtra, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Thane’s infrastructure projects are unprecedented. A city must ensure smooth, efficient, and affordable movement for its people. The focus has been on that, alongside housing developments like cluster projects, redevelopment, and SRA (Slum Rehabilitation Authority) initiatives. Thane is doing everything possible to meet these demands.”
As Thane stands at a crossroads, the debate continues: Is the city’s relentless expansion a sign of progress, or is it coming at an unsustainable cost to its environment and residents?
Source: Mid-Day
