Thane: A preparatory meeting was held on Thursday regarding Thane Development Council 2024, which aims to tackle the city's pressing urban challenges, an official said.

It was attended by former chief secretary and current CEO of the state government's Maharashtra Institution for Transformation or MITRA Praveen Pardeshi, collector Ashok Shingare, Thane civic chief Saurabh Rao and KDMC commissioner Indurani Jakhar, he said.

A TMC release said Thane wants to become a "world economic hub" by focusing on five important sectors such as housing for all, information technology, Industry 4.0, environmental sustainability and job creation.

"In line with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's vision of holistic development, the Thane Development Conclave 2024 will be held on September 21. It will see the participation of officials and industry leaders to discuss key development issues," it said.

Pardeshi stressed the importance of identifying and understanding the underlying issues for effective goal-setting in the development of the district.

“Thane Development Council aims to initiate significant changes in the coming years by addressing the complexities of urban development and striving for a more sustainable and liveable city,” the release said.