THANE

The district hosts a mix of large-scale, medium, and small-scale industries, with a strong presence in sectors such as chemicals, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, plastics, fertilizers, insecticides, paints, and edible goods. The Thane-Belapur-Kalyan industrial belt serves as the core of this industrial growth, housing numerous modern industries and engineering enterprises.

Thane's chemical sector is concentrated in Trans-Thane Creek and Belapur Road, producing industrial chemicals, fertilizers, paints, and varnishes. Companies like Pfizer, BASF, and Lubrizol India Ltd. are some of the companies in this sector.

Thane hosts major pharmaceutical firms like Cipla, Lupin, and Ranbaxy (now Sun Pharma), along with Cyano Pharma, Cadila Pharmaceuticals, THINQ Pharma-CRO Ltd., and Precia Pharma, contributing to both domestic and global markets.

The plastic industry includes Reliance Industries, Polyolefins Industries, Bharat Plastic, and Prasad Plastics, producing raw materials, packaging, and diverse plastic products.

Textile manufacturers include Naina's Apparel, Tanwar Spinning and Weaving Mills, Bhairav Handloom, and Paridhan Garment. The industry sources cotton from Maharashtra and synthetic fibers from other states.

Leading firms like Tata Technologies, Mukand Engineers, and ANI Integrated Services specialize in heavy machinery, renewable energy, and engineering solutions. Companies such as Gubbi Civil Engineers and JMC Projects are involved in civil engineering and construction.

Thane district has been shaped by several influential families who have played a significant role in politics, real estate, and governance. These families have contributed to sectors such as construction, infrastructure, and policy-making, leaving a lasting impact on the region. Some of the most notable among them include the Sarnaik, Jagdale, Phatak, and Dandavate families.

As of 2024, the Thane district hosts two Special Economic Zones (SEZs). One of them, Serene Properties Private Limited SEZ, is an IT and IT-Enabled Services (ITES) hub located in the Kalwa Trans Thane Creek Industrial Area, MIDC. Spanning 19.96 hectares, this SEZ has been operational since at least 2016 and plays a crucial role in the region’s technology sector.

Another significant SEZ is Sunstream City Private Limited SEZ, situated near the Eastern Express Highway. Covering 141 acres, it integrates IT facilities with a residential township, offering businesses a comprehensive infrastructure. Additionally, Thane hosts other SEZs specializing in IT/ITES and biotechnology, addressing the growing demand for technological advancements and innovation.

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has identified several industries in Thane as significant contributors to poor air quality, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions surpassing safe limits. Of the 50 industries evaluated across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, including Thane, 29 were rated as having "poor" or "very poor" air quality. This pollution presents serious health risks, increasing cases of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases among residents.

Industrial activities have also led to water pollution, with untreated effluents contaminating local water bodies and raising concerns about the safety of both groundwater and surface water. Chemical industries, in particular, generate hazardous waste that includes incinerable and landfillable materials, requiring strict management to prevent environmental harm.

The district produces substantial industrial waste, with Thane generating over 31,000 metric tons of hazardous waste annually as of 2021, underscoring the urgent need for improved waste management. While efforts like biomethanation and composting have been introduced to handle organic waste, challenges persist in managing plastic waste and construction debris effectively.

Rapid industrialization has also impacted local ecosystems through land-use changes. Urban expansion has encroached upon green zones and agricultural areas, leading to habitat disruption and biodiversity loss. Deforestation driven by industrial development has further intensified environmental degradation.

Thane's industrial growth has been shaped by key milestones, from the establishment of India’s first atomic power plant in Tarapur in 1969 to the surge of small and medium enterprises following economic liberalization in 1991. The formation of the Thane Small Scale Industries Association (TSSIA) in 1974 provided crucial support to entrepreneurs by addressing regulatory challenges and improving access to financing. Additionally, Thane’s strategic location near Mumbai has played a pivotal role in its industrial success, ensuring seamless connectivity and access to both domestic and international markets. This robust infrastructure continues to support the district’s economic expansion and industrial resilience.