The Pollution Control Department of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has conducted a thorough assessment of air quality in the Thane Municipal area during the pre-Diwali and Diwali periods. This year, the increased usage of green fireworks resulted in a particulate matter concentration of 165 µg/m³, a notable decrease compared to 245 µg/m³ in 2022 and 230 µg/m³ in 2023.

The air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 127 during the pre-Diwali period, rising to 190 during the Diwali festivities, placing it in the moderately polluted category. While citizens celebrated the festival with enthusiasm, there was also a significant increase in firecracker usage, leading to elevated noise levels, which peaked at 84 decibels during Diwali, compared to 71 decibels before the festival.

The evaluation was carried out by a team comprising Chief Environment Officer Manisha Pradhan, Deputy Environment Officer Vidya Sawant, and Junior Chemist Nirvana Salgaonkar, who focused on both air quality and noise pollution.

During the evaluation the officials found that despite the growing popularity of green crackers, the study highlighted an overall increase in both air and noise pollution during this year's Diwali, although the levels remain lower than in the previous two years. According to Manisha Pradhan, "Although the air quality index has risen to 190, Thane's air is at a moderately polluted level."