Under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), in collaboration with Parisar, Centre for Environment Education (CEE), and Prayas Health Group, successfully conducted three intensive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) workshops across multiple municipal zones in Pune. These workshops were designed to sensitise internal stakeholders, including Sanitation Inspectors (SIs), Deputy Sanitation Inspectors (DSIs), Ward Medical Officers, Engineers, and administrative officials from all administrative zones across Pune.

Three capacity-building workshops for PMC officials were conducted on 15 May 2025, 15 July 2025, and 24 September 2025, respectively. These sessions focused on strengthening the understanding of key aspects of air quality management, associated public health impacts, and the role of ward-level administration in effective implementation and community outreach. The workshops featured comprehensive technical sessions delivered by experts from collaborating institutions and the Pune Municipal Corporation, addressing the scientific, administrative, financial, and community dimensions of air quality management.

On February 4th, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), under the National Clean Air Program (NCAP), successfully conducted a webinar focusing on the critical intersection between waste management and air quality. The session brought together over 100 participants, including Sanitary Inspectors (SIs), Deputy Sanitary Inspectors (DSIs), PMC officials, and concerned citizens, to discuss collaborative paths toward a cleaner Pune.

The "Breathless Pune Photo Exhibition," organized by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) under the National Clean Air Program (NCAP), served as a powerful initiative to bring the stark realities of air pollution to the forefront of public consciousness. Through compelling photography and evidence-based information, the exhibition provided citizens with an immersive look at the air quality crisis currently facing our city.

The workshop began with the President of Pune Union of Working Journalists (PUWJ), Brijmohan Patil welcoming the speakers and the audience. He noted that the first workshop with the journalists on air quality had happened in the year 2022, and such workshops helped to strengthen the understanding of the reporters on technical issues like air quality. A context setting was done by Ranjit Gadgil who highlighted the importance of conducting this media workshop, noting that well-informed reporting helps connect technical data to citizens’ everyday experiences, ultimately improving public accountability.

Dr. Ritu Parchure, Fellow, Prayas Health Group, spoke about the health impacts of air pollution. She reiterated that it is a critical matter requiring urgent attention as it affects almost everyone in varying degrees. She discussed how the pollutants enter the bloodstream through the lungs and cause a host of disorders like heart disease, kidney failure, stroke, affects the reproductive and neurological system, and even affects the fetus and newborn babies, apart from respiratory issues like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), asthma, etc. She explained how the Air Quality Index (AQI) is generated and emphasized that health risks start even when the Air Quality Index (AQI) moves from “Good” to “Satisfactory”.