Thane: Thane Municipal Corporation’s (TMC) Commissioner Saurabh Rao inaugurated the new 'Air Quality Management System,' an online tool developed under USAID's 'Clean Air Better Health' project. This system aims to monitor and enhance air quality in Thane.

Commissioner Rao emphasized the tool's importance in maintaining Thane's air quality, especially during winter. The system will help the municipal corporation’s plan and implement both immediate and long-term changes to preserve the city's air quality. It complements previous initiatives like the Heat Action Plan and Urban Flood Management Planning.

The online system, created in collaboration with the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) and USAID, will soon be accessible via the Thane Municipal Corporation website for public use. It provides critical data for managing air pollution and informs measures to tackle environmental challenges.

Varghese Paul, Deputy Director of USAID India, highlighted that this system is a first for the state. Thane Municipal Corporation continues its efforts to combat pollution through various strategies, including dust and garbage control measures and adherence to high court and state government directives.

Additional key figures present at the launch included Municipal Engineer Prashant Sonagra, Deputy Commissioner (Environment) Sachin Pawar, Chief Environment Officer Manisha Pradhan, Environment Officer Vidya Sawant, and representatives from the Central Pollution Control Board and CEEW.