Advanced Decision Support System (DSS) for air quality management launched
Pune : CII Cleaner Air Better Life (CABL) in collaboration with the Pune Municipal Corporation & the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation today convened major multi stakeholder Forum for Clean Air in Pune. Shri Naval Kishore Ram, Municipal Commissioner, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Ms. Shveta Arya, Chairperson, CII Cleaner Air Better Life Initiative jointly convened the Forum.
CABL Forum launched an advanced Decision Support System (DSS) for air quality management, a first of its kind DSS designed to support data driven air quality management in twin cities and informed decision-making. The platform will enable city authorities to access, analyse and utilise air quality data more effectively, helping identify pollution hotspots, assess interventions, and strengthen planning and implementation efforts.
This Decision Support System (DSS) for Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, developed by the Airvoice, delivers high-resolution air quality forecasts up to 72 hours in advance. Built on local emissions inventories, detailed weather forecasts, and advanced atmospheric modelling, the system generates hourly air quality predictions at 1 km resolution across the region. By providing a forward-looking view of pollution levels, the platform will enable city authorities to anticipate pollution episodes, plan timely interventions, investigate emerging air quality events, and target persistent hotspots, thereby supporting proactive and data-driven air quality management across both cities. As cities grow and air quality challenges become more complex, such data-driven planning and collaborative action will be critical in delivering cleaner air and healthier communities.
Organized under the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) Cleaner Air Better Life (CABL) Initiative, the Forum provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss priorities, share perspectives, and chart out a coordinated pathway for achieving cleaner air and healthier urban environments. CABL is a flagship, industry-led programme launched by CII in partnership with NITI Aayog to address air pollution through collaborative, evidence-based action and strengthen urban environmental governance across India.
Ms. Shveta Arya, Chairperson, CII Cleaner Air Better Life Initiative and Co-Convener of the Clean Air Forum said that “Since launching the Clean Air Better Life initiative in 2016, CII has focused on bringing together industry, government, researchers, academicians and civil society to develop practical and scalable solutions for improving air quality. Building on its years of experiences and learnings, CII launched the Clean Air Better Life Programme in Pune in 2023. Today, we are taking the next step forward with delivery of a multi-stakeholder Clean Air Forum and evidence-based action plan as drafted at CABL Action Lab which will now be open for wider stakeholder inputs.
The Forum also reviewed the draft CABL Action Plan during an interactive roundtable discussion and discussion focused on identifying priority interventions, enhancing stakeholder coordination, and developing a shared roadmap for improving air quality in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. The Clean Air Forum brought senior representatives from Government, industry, academia, and civil society to strengthen collaborative action for improving air quality across Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. Additionally, the Forum members including local start-ups, institutions & industries presented their ideas and proposals for new novel solutions.
Delivering keynote addresses, Shri Naval Kishore Ram, Municipal Commissioner, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Co-Convener of the Clean Air Forum, said that clean air is not to be seen as a standalone objective, but a shared outcome of how a city plans, grows and sustains itself. It is closely linked with noise pollution, water, green cover, urban infrastructure and the overall quality of life for citizens. As Pune continues its growth, it is important that development and environmental sustainability progress together. The city is fortunate to have leading institutions and experts who can help build data-driven solutions for air quality management. Through measures such as advanced monitoring solutions with least human interference, low emission zones, first and last mile mobility to support public transportation, green cover, seamless walkability, collaboration with industries and citizen participation, Pune has the opportunity to create a healthier and more sustainable urban future for its citizens.
Shri Jitendra Dudi, District Collector, Pune also joined the occasion and noted that improving air quality in Pune requires a focused and collaborative approach. Based on our discussions and understanding of the city’s challenges, sustainable mobility, stronger public transport, and effective management of key point sources will play a crucial role in cleaner air. Experts and stakeholders bring valuable knowledge and insights, and the administration is committed to working together to implement practical solutions. Along with long-term measures, we must also focus on actionable short-term interventions, supported by regular reviews and continuous monitoring in order to ensure that our plans translate into meaningful improvements in air quality for the city.