Can This Tech Help Pune Breathe Cleaner Air? New DSS System Rolled Out

Pune, 23rd June 2026: The Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) Cleaner Air Better Life (CABL) initiative, in collaboration with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), on Monday convened a major multi-stakeholder Forum for Clean Air in Pune.

The forum was jointly led by PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram and Shveta Arya, Chairperson of the CII Cleaner Air Better Life initiative.

The CABL Forum also launched an advanced Decision Support System (DSS) for air quality management—one of its kind, designed to support data-driven decision-making for improving air quality in the twin cities. 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.

Developed by Airvoice, the DSS for Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad provides 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 a 1 km resolution across the region. By offering a forward-looking view of pollution levels, the platform will help authorities anticipate pollution episodes, plan timely interventions, track emerging air quality events, and target persistent hotspots, thereby supporting proactive and data-driven environmental management.

Organised under CII’s Cleaner Air Better Life initiative, the forum served as a platform for stakeholders to discuss priorities, share perspectives, and develop a coordinated roadmap 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 to strengthen urban environmental governance across India.

Speaking on the occasion, Shveta Arya, Chairperson, CII Cleaner Air Better Life Initiative and Co-Convener of the Clean Air Forum, said that since its launch in 2016, the initiative has focused on bringing together industry, government, researchers, academicians, and civil society to develop practical and scalable solutions for improving air quality.

She said that building on years of experience, CII launched the Clean Air Better Life Programme in Pune in 2023. “Today, we are taking the next step forward with the delivery of a multi-stakeholder Clean Air Forum and an evidence-based action plan drafted under the CABL Action Lab, which will now be open for wider stakeholder inputs,” she said.

The forum also reviewed the draft CABL Action Plan during an interactive roundtable discussion focused on identifying priority interventions, strengthening coordination among stakeholders, and developing a shared roadmap for improving air quality in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.

Representatives from government, industry, academia, civil society, as well as start-ups and institutions, presented ideas and solutions for air quality improvement.

Delivering the keynote address, PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said that clean air should not be viewed as a standalone objective, but as a shared outcome of how a city plans, grows, and sustains itself. He said air quality is closely linked with noise pollution, water management, green cover, urban infrastructure, and overall quality of life.

He added that as Pune continues to grow, development and environmental sustainability must progress together. The city, he said, is fortunate to have leading institutions and experts who can support data-driven solutions for air quality management. He highlighted measures such as advanced monitoring systems with minimal human intervention, low-emission zones, first- and last-mile mobility solutions, improved public transport, enhanced green cover, walkability, industry collaboration, and citizen participation.

Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi also addressed the forum and said that improving air quality requires a focused and collaborative approach. He noted that sustainable mobility, stronger public transport, and effective management of key pollution sources will play a crucial role in achieving cleaner air.

He emphasised the need for both long-term strategies and actionable short-term interventions, supported by regular reviews and continuous monitoring to ensure measurable improvements in air quality.

The Cleaner Air Better Life (CABL) initiative is a flagship industry-led programme launched by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in partnership with NITI Aayog to address air pollution through collaborative and evidence-based action. The initiative aims to improve air quality and enhance quality of life by bringing together government, industry, academia, and civil society to develop and implement sustainable solutions.