Over Half of Maharashtra’s Cities Cross PM2.5 Limits; Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Industrial Belts Among Worst Affected

Mumbai, 12th November 2025: A faint winter haze may have softened Mumbai’s skyline, but behind the golden sunsets lies a warning – the city’s air is growing increasingly toxic. As temperatures dip, Mumbai and several other cities across Maharashtra are witnessing a steady spike in pollution levels, with particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) concentrations crossing safety thresholds in most regions.

A detailed report by the Vataavaran Foundation and Environcatalyst reveals that more than half of Maharashtra’s monitored cities have breached the national limits for PM2.5, while PM10 levels have surpassed standards across all locations. The findings underline how the state’s industrial growth and urban expansion continue to extract a heavy environmental price.

In Mumbai, the average PM2.5 concentration stands at 35 µg/m³—within India’s permissible range but well above the World Health Organization’s limit of 25 µg/m³. The city’s PM10 level of 91 µg/m³ also exceeds the national benchmark. Experts credit the city’s 12% improvement since 2019–20 to consistent monsoon rains that helped disperse pollutants. Yet, the combination of vehicular exhaust, construction dust, and industrial emissions continues to cloud the air.

“While Mumbai has made modest progress, it’s not enough to meet clean air targets,” the report warns, adding that the city’s dense traffic and unregulated construction remain the biggest contributors to urban smog.

Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Kalyan Face Growing Urban Smog
Neighbouring regions are faring no better. Thane reported PM2.5 at 38 µg/m³ and PM10 at 83 µg/m³, driven by rising traffic congestion and construction activity. Navi Mumbai, despite being a planned city, recorded alarming levels — PM10 touched 102 µg/m³, nearly double its 2019–20 levels, while PM2.5 averaged 37 µg/m³.

Kalyan, though slightly cleaner, remains above the safe range with PM2.5 at 29 µg/m³ and PM10 at 93 µg/m³, showing how even semi-urban zones are not immune to air degradation.

Industrial Corridors Worsen Maharashtra’s Air Burden
Beyond the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, air quality continues to deteriorate in industrial hubs. Mira-Bhayandar (PM10: 100 µg/m³) and Virar (PM10: 91 µg/m³) exceeded national standards, while Ulhasnagar—classified as a pollution hotspot—received only ₹2.1 crore under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), a sum experts deem grossly insufficient.

In Bhiwandi and Boisar, where textile and chemical industries dominate, air quality remains hazardous year-round. Boisar’s readings of PM2.5 at 45 µg/m³ and PM10 at 98 µg/m³ highlight persistent industrial pollution and weak enforcement.

Under national norms, PM2.5 should not exceed 40 µg/m³ annually, while PM10 must stay below 60 µg/m³. However, the majority of cities surveyed have crossed both limits. Environmental scientists warn that prolonged exposure could lead to chronic respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and reduced lung function.

“The onset of winter traps pollutants closer to the ground, turning city air into a slow poison,” said an environmental health expert associated with the study.

Call for Stronger Action and Public Awareness
The report urges the Maharashtra government to expand clean air zones, regulate industrial emissions, and improve public transport infrastructure. It also recommends increased NCAP funding for smaller municipalities and real-time pollution alerts to help citizens take precautions.