GBS: Pune: 43 RO Projects on Sinhagad Road Shut Down for Violating PMC Regulations
Sinhagad, 12th March 2025: In the wake of a surge in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases in Pune, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has enforced stricter regulations on private reverse osmosis (RO) water purification projects. As part of this crackdown, the civic body has shut down 43 RO projects on Sinhagad Road for non-compliance.
Several cases of GBS have been reported in Khadakwasla, Kirkitwadi, Nanded, Dhayari, and nearby areas, with contaminated water supply being identified as a major contributing factor. A PMC water quality inspection revealed that water from private RO plants in these areas was contaminated, prompting the civic body to implement stringent operational guidelines for such projects.
After receiving complaints about violations of these regulations, officials from PMC’s Water Supply Department conducted inspections on Sinhagad Road and found multiple RO plants failing to meet the prescribed standards. As a result, 43 projects were ordered to cease operations until they complied with the regulations.
GBS Cases and PMC’s Assistance
The rising number of GBS cases in the Sinhagad Road area prompted the PMC to offer free treatment at its municipal hospitals. Under the Urban Poor Scheme, financial aid of ₹2 lakh was provided to eligible patients, while those not meeting the scheme’s criteria received ₹1 lakh. However, as the disease outbreak is subsiding, the PMC is considering discontinuing this financial assistance, though no final decision has been made.
PMC officials have stated that regular inspections of RO projects will continue to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Breakdown of Closed RO Projects
Khadakwasla: 5
Kirkitwadi: 8
Narhe Village: 21
Nanded Village: 9
