Thane civic body chief interacts with citizens ahead of budget presentation

TMC chief Abhijit Bangar with stakeholders/ TMC

In a recent session of the initiative 'Thane evolving through my eyes', Thane Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar worked with people from many fields to design Thane Municipal Corporation's budget. The emphasis was on key concerns such as enhancing transit services, reducing traffic congestion, and planning for the city's future, particularly concerning school students.

A press statement by the TMC stated that gynaecologist Dr Mahesh Bedekar, Trustee of Saraswati School Surendra Dighe, Chief of Thane District Travellers Federation Milind Ballal, Shyamshree Bhosale who works for persons with disabilities and sex workers, Jagdish Khairalia of Samata Vikhar Prasarak Sanstha, Ophthalmologist and R Nature's Dr Lata Ghanshyamanani, Anuja Gupte of anti-plastic NGO, Sangeeta Joshi, Secretary of Environmental Vigilance Forum, Bhatu Sawant, CEO of Samarth Bharat Vyaspeeth, Rajesh Jadhav, Member of Pravasi Mahasangha etc. were present at the discussion.

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During the conference, participants stressed the urgent need to improve the city's transport systems, noting a paucity of buses in comparison to the rising population. They proposed dedicating a percentage of roadworks funding to improve transport services and emphasised the need to coordinate efforts to reduce traffic congestion.

The conversation also included environmental problems, such as excessive honking that causes noise near schools and hospitals. Dr Lata Ghanshyamanani emphasised the importance of raising public knowledge to reduce pollution and enhance city living conditions, the media statement read.

Parking developed as a major issue, prompting discussions about using space in city malls for parking and devoting funds to multistory parking complexes. Participants recommended implementing a signal system to improve traffic planning.

According to the statement, the forward-looking aspect of the budget planning involved envisioning Thane after 20 years. Proposals included constructing a grand kindergarten, transforming the Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray memorial into a children's building, and reopening science centres with ward-wise distribution. The need for pedestrian-friendly roads and sidewalks was also focused upon.

Concerns about education were raised, particularly for students in municipal schools from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. During the meeting, suggestions like setting up a shelter for special children, and not burdening teachers with additional administrative work allowing them to focus on teaching kids were made.

Commissioner Abhijit Bangar assured the participants that their suggestions would be considered. The Municipal Corporation is committed to solid waste management and will work on changing citizens' mindsets. Discussions are underway with the traffic department to enhance traffic flow and safety, and efforts will be made for the reopening of the Science Center and the development of a Central Library, he said.