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Kalu Dam Project: Still a Distant Dream

Water shortage is one of the most pressing issues faced by the cities in the eastern part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), including Thane. To address this, the Kalu Water Supply Project was planned as a major initiative to ensure a reliable water supply for the growing population. Here’s what you should know about this crucial but long-stalled project. The Kalu Dam Project is being developed to meet the increasing water demand of the eastern sub-region of MMR, covering Thane, Bhiwandi, Kalyan-Dombivli, Ulhasnagar, Ambernath, and Badlapur. The project aims to supply 1,140 million litres per day (MLD) of water through a regional water supply scheme. The dam is proposed to be built on the Kalu river near Khapari village, Murbad taluka, Thane district. Once completed, it is expected to significantly improve the water supply to municipal corporations and councils in the region. Key Features of the Project are: Location: Kalu river, near Khapari village, Murbad Taluka, Thane distric...

Every Drop of Water Matters

We all know how precious water is to our lives. Yet, living in a fast-growing city like Thane, we sometimes forget that this resource is limited. As the population grows and summers get hotter, water shortages are becoming more frequent. The good news is that each of us can do something — right from our own homes — to conserve water and secure our future. In this article, we’ll walk through simple, effective ways you can save water every day. Whether it’s in your bathroom, kitchen, garden, or simply your daily habits, every drop saved makes a difference. Let’s take a closer look. Bathrooms: Most of the water we use at home is actually in the bathroom. Here are some easy habits to adopt: Turn off the tap: When brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face and hands, don’t let the water run. Just turn the tap on when you actually need water. Fix leaks: A dripping tap or a leaking toilet may seem minor, but it can waste hundreds of litres over time. Call a plumber and get leaks fixed...

The Enduring Journey: Thane’s Fort to Jail

For every resident of Thane, the name “Thane Jail” probably brings to mind the present-day correctional facility. But did you know that this site is actually one of the most historic landmarks in our city — a silent witness to centuries of conflict, change, and community life? While Thane has today grown into a bustling metropolis, the old fort — which now houses the jail — along with a few other ancient buildings are the only surviving remnants of Thane’s glorious past. Let’s take a journey back in time to uncover the rich history preserved within its stone walls. Thane Jail did not begin as a prison. Around 1730, the Portuguese — who had ruled Thane since 1533 — began constructing a strong fort to defend the town. Earlier, they had relied on watchtowers and smaller forts, but as their power declined, they realized the need for stronger defenses. However, before they could finish, the Marathas swept into Salsette in April 1737. The unfinished fort withstood two Maratha assaults, but t...

Thane-Vasai Creeks: The Lifeline of Our City

When we think of Thane, we often picture its iconic lakes, the Yeoor hills, or the bustling cityscape. But very few of us stop to consider the vast network of rivers and creeks silently flowing around us, shaping our environment, supplying our drinking water, and balancing our urban ecosystem. At the heart of this system lie the Vasai Creek and the Thane Creek, twin arms of the mighty Ulhas River, silently working behind the scenes. Let’s explore this water system in a simple, citizen-friendly language. What Are Vasai and Thane Creeks? Vasai Creek and Thane Creek are wide tidal waterways that grow broader as they near the Arabian Sea. Fed by the Ulhas River, which starts its journey in the Western Ghats, these creeks take shape near Kalyan where the river splits — the northern branch forming Vasai Creek that flows past Bhiwandi and Mira-Bhayandar, and the southern branch forming Thane Creek, which flows  along Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Mumbai. Both creeks are surrounded by rich natur...

Thane: The Forgotten Gateway to the World

Next time you travel across Thane's modern landscape, stuck in traffic or waiting for a train, take a moment to imagine a dramatically different era. Long before our crowded trains and roads connected it to the world, Thane was primarily known as a vibrant and prosperous port, a critical gateway that linked the subcontinent with distant lands. About a thousand years ago, the Thane coast was full of activity. Smaller boats dotted the shore, while few  larger ships awaited in the open sea. One vessel prepared to sail to Africa, laden with Konkan-grown rice. Another had just arrived from Iran, bringing horses. A third had navigated from the Malabar coast, delivering precious spices like mace, cloves, and black pepper. The docks were a melting pot of travelers, traders, and sailors from Africa, Arabia, and China, mingling with local Hindu, Muslim, and Parsi merchants. Negotiations in a Gujarati dialect filled the air. This isn't a fantasy; it's a snapshot of middle age Thane, t...

Why EVs Could Change the Way We Move in Thane

Imagine driving through Thane’s bustling Eastern Express Highway or the scenic stretch along Upvan Lake — and hearing nothing but the sound of birds and the breeze. No engine rumble, no exhaust fumes. Just clean, quiet movement. This is not a far-off dream — it's a vision that the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) is working hard to turn into reality. Welcome to Thane 2025, a bold roadmap that aims to make our city a model for electric mobility in India. But what does this mean for us, the everyday citizens? Why should you care whether your next vehicle runs on petrol or a battery? Let’s explore. Why Electric Vehicles (EVs) Matter to Thane Thane is a growing city — in ambition, population, and unfortunately, pollution. As of 2020, we have over 22 lakh registered vehicles that run on petrol or diesel. This massive traffic contributes directly to the poor air quality that many of us breathe every day. In fact, Thane has been flagged as a “non-attainment” city under the National Ambie...

Navigating Thane’s Roads: A Snapshot of Challenges and Progress

  Thane faces rising transport challenges with 23 lakh people and 22 lakh vehicles. To address congestion and pollution, the city is upgrading roads, expanding public transport, enhancing parking, and promoting EVs. Smart systems, a new station, cycle sharing, and clean air initiatives aim to build a sustainable urban mobility future. Thane, a fast-growing city with a population of 23 lakh and over 22 lakh registered vehicles, faces intense pressure on its roads. Vehicles, along with road dust and industrial emissions, are major contributors to air pollution. Thane’s 370 km road network includes 160 km of concrete/UTWT roads. Addressing traffic congestion is a key priority. To address potholes, TMC is upgrading key roads like Ghodbunder Road, Pokhran Road No. 2, and Eastern Express Highway link roads etc. The Integrated Mobility Plan (IMP) includes road widening at Majiwada Junction, construction of subways near Kopri, overbridges at Kalwa and Parsik, and resolving missing links in...