This study analyzes Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD), Aerosol Index (AI), and Planetary Boundary Layer Height (PBLH) during and after India's COVID-19 lockdown. Data from MODIS Terra and OMI Aura reveal critical insights into the interaction between human activity, air quality, and atmospheric conditions. Results show increased AOD and AI during the second COVID wave lockdown in 2021 compared to the first wave in 2020, with higher levels during the post-lockdown phase in 2021. This rise in aerosols signifies the resurgence of anthropogenic and industrial activities, leading to elevated pollutant emissions, emphasizing their role in air quality deterioration. Seven states of the Northeast region of India exhibit positive AI values, indicating the dominance of absorbing aerosols (e.g., dust, smoke, biomass emissions). PBLH rises due to absorptive aerosols, warming the atmosphere. While AOD and PBLH typically display an inverse relationship, this study observed an increase in both over three years for three months of winter, influenced by aerosol composition. The COVID-19 lockdown temporarily improved air quality, but the resumption of industrial activities after the lockdown led to increased pollutant concentrations, threatening air quality targets. Traditionally AOD and PBLH demonstrate an inverse relationship, this research identifies a concurrent increase in both parameters over the study period, particularly during winter months, underscoring the complex interplay between aerosol composition and atmospheric conditions. These detailed spatial and temporal patterns provide valuable insights into the dynamics of aerosol pollution and air quality deterioration, offering a more nuanced understanding for policymakers and stakeholders to formulate effective clean air action plans and address anthropogenic factors impacting aerosol concentrations, ultimately striving towards a cleaner and healthier atmosphere.