Amid concerns over rising pollution, the Maharashtra government on Tuesday informed that more than 1,600 factories in Thane district have been classified in the “Red Category” for their high pollution index, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). 

Responding to a question raised by BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar during ongoing the Maharashtra Monsoon Session 2025, State Environment Minister Pankaja Munde clarified that according to the CPCB’s revised classification dated March 7, 2016, a total of 1,606 factories in Thane district fall under the Red Category, which corresponds to a Pollution Index (PI) exceeding 60. 

However, the government denied that these factories have caused any deaths linked to air or chemical pollution. Citing reports submitted by the District Health Officers of Thane and Navi Mumbai, the minister stated that no evidence has been found to suggest that emissions from these factories have led to public health hazards or fatalities.