Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday announced a comprehensive development plan for Thane district covering traffic management, flood relief, smart health centres, smart schools, renewable energy, tourism, and employment generation.

An expert panel from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has been tasked with studying traffic congestion across the region and suggesting permanent solutions. Approvals were given for drone- and AI-based traffic management systems, as well as rooftop solar projects on government buildings.

Flood-affected areas will see immediate relief, including repairs to damaged roads, bridges, and schools. Water supply upgrades through the Chikhali Dam and Ulhas River projects were also discussed. The plan further emphasises promoting natural farming, boosting agricultural productivity, and extending greater support to farmers.

Shinde stressed the importance of skill development, education, tourism, and infrastructure for holistic district growth. During the meeting, he also launched “Seva Samvad”, a citizen feedback platform designed by District Collector Dr Shrikrishna Panchal to enable transparent and responsive governance.

Officials were directed to coordinate across departments, implement both short- and long-term measures, and ensure efficient use of the district budget, prioritising schemes for health, education, tourism, and livelihoods.

The directives came at a Thane District Planning Committee meeting chaired by Shinde at Planning Bhavan. Progress was reviewed on upgrading all primary health centres into smart health centres and converting schools into smart schools, with funding support mobilised through CSR initiatives and public participation.