My Thane

Thane has long been known for its rich cultural spirit, and among the many artists who enrich its heritage, Apoorva Gokhale stands out as one of the brightest stars. A resident of Thane, Apoorva is not only an accomplished Hindustani classical vocalist but also a dedicated teacher who has nurtured many promising students in the city. Rooted in tradition yet refreshingly individualistic in her expression, she represents the seamless blend of legacy and innovation. Born into a legendary family of musicians, Apoorva represents the Gwalior Gharana, one of the oldest and most respected traditions in Hindustani classical music. Her musical ancestry traces back to her great-grandfather Pandit Antubua Joshi, an eminent court musician from the princely state of Aundh, and her grandfather Pandit Gajananrao Joshi, the illustrious “Gayanacharya” who mastered both vocal and violin traditions. From this rich heritage, Apoorva has inherited not just musical brilliance but also a firm devotion to art....

Urban cleanliness is not just about aesthetics—it reflects public health, civic discipline, and environmental responsibility. Indore and Thane, two rapidly growing Indian cities, offer contrasting pictures in solid waste management. While Indore has become a national model for cleanliness under the Swachh Bharat Mission, Thane is still striving to balance its waste management systems within the broader Clean Air Action Plan. Examining their efforts provides important lessons for Thane’s citizens and administration alike. Waste Generation and Collection Indore, with a population of 27 lakh, generates over 1,100 metric tons of waste daily, while Thane’s 23 lakh citizens produce around 950 metric tons per day. Both cities have implemented door-to-door waste collection, but Indore’s model stands out for its uniformity and efficiency. Starting with a 2015 pilot, Indore perfected its system using motorized tippers for all 85 wards, covering over six lakh households and commercial units. It e...

Thane, known in ancient times as Shristhanak, was chosen as the capital by King Bhimdev of the Shilahara dynasty around the ninth century. During his reign, the city flourished as a center of religion and culture. Magnificent temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and local deities were built across its landscape. Alongside these temples, more than sixty lakes were dug, making the city a region of prosperity and abundance. Around these serene water bodies, Thane’s culture and lifestyle thrived, earning it the title “City of Lakes.” Sadly, much of this identity has faded over time. Thane remained the Shilahara capital until the thirteenth century. The rulers encouraged the construction of large lakes beside Shiva temples. Temples like Kopineshwar, Uthaleshwar, Siddheshwar, Rayaleshwar, Mumbreshwar, and Khidkaleshwar, along with temples dedicated to goddesses such as Shitaladevi, Kalakadevi, Jakhai, Jarimari, and Rayaladevi, still reflect the spiritual legacy of that era. The region, then known...

Diwali lights have dimmed, the sweets are over, and the last sparkler has fizzled out. Yet the echoes of the festival linger—literally. This year, Thane seemed louder than ever. Firecrackers burst till late night kept senior citizens, infants, and pets awake, their festive cheer replaced by restless nights. It raises a simple but urgent question: do we really need to go overboard with noise to celebrate joy? Some years ago, I came across a research paper by Mrs. Priti Thakkar, Assistant Professor at SIES College, on noise pollution in Thane. The study’s findings were alarming then—and remain painfully relevant today. Her research offers us not only a warning but also a way forward. The constant honking, traffic jams, hawkers shouting to be heard, construction, and the round-the-clock movement of vehicles have together created high sound levels. It seems, we’ve accepted noise as an unavoidable part of modern life. It’s no longer just an irritation—it’s a public-health concern. Noise po...

Amid the noise of modern Thane, lie silent witnesses to its past — the sturdy Thane fort, the calm expanse of Masunda Lake and the temple of Kopineshwar. Nearly three centuries ago, this city underwent a profound transformation when the Marathas reclaimed Thane from Portuguese rule in 1738. Their 37-year reign, though brief, marked a powerful period of restoration of governance, faith, and identity. It was a time when Thane was not merely ruled but rebuilt. The Portuguese acquired Thane in 1515 and, over the next two centuries, transformed it from a regional town into a fortified Christian settlement. They altered the city  skyline and social structure to reflect their religious and political priorities. Churches and large houses replaced earlier temples and worship places, changing both the physical and cultural character of the city. The convent and church of St. Anthony was built out of the stones of  twelve temples around present-day Masunda Lake.  The Portuguese bega...

(In continuation with previous article) Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) faces a significant challenge in balancing water supply with the growing needs of our city. Understanding how much water we need versus how much we receive, and where the shortages are most severe, is crucial for addressing this critical issue. The city’s current total water demand for domestic and commercial uses stands at 460 MLD (Million Litres per Day). However, the actual water supply—derived from TMC supply is only 407 MLD. This leaves TMC with an overall water deficit of 53 MLD. Currently, the deficit is assumed to be met by informal sources, such as private bore wells. While the city experiences an overall shortage, the problem is not uniform across all areas. Seven out of the nine administrative wards in TMC report a water deficit. The current water supply capacity in these wards is inadequate to meet the required domestic and commercial demand. The most severe deficits are concentrated in the following ...