Pune: Municipal Corporation Yet to Clean All Water Tanks Amid GBS Outbreak

Pune, 15th March 2025: Despite the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) announcement to clean all municipal water tanks following the discovery of a Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) case, only 52 out of 144 tanks have been cleaned so far. The municipal administration has assured that efforts are underway to complete the cleaning of the remaining tanks at the earliest.

“GBS is caused by bacteria present in contaminated water. To prevent the disease from spreading to other parts of the city, we are taking necessary precautions, including water tank cleaning. So far, we have completed the cleaning of 24 tanks in the Sinhagad Road area, where the outbreak was more severe,” said Nandkishore Jagtap, head of PMC’s water supply department.

Jagtap emphasized that systematic management is crucial while cleaning water tanks, as they directly impact the city’s drinking water supply. The cleaning process is being carried out in phases to avoid disruption. As a result, PMC has stated that cleaning all tanks across Pune will take time.

The first cases of GBS were reported in Pune two months ago, with a rapid increase observed in Khadakwasla, Nanded, Dhayri, Kirkitwadi, and surrounding areas on Sinhagad Road. Investigations revealed that the outbreak was linked to contaminated drinking water, prompting the civic body to take immediate corrective measures.

To prevent further water contamination, PMC increased the chlorine content in the supply and installed iron grates on wells to block debris from entering the water system. Additionally, sewage-related infrastructure improvements have been carried out in the most affected areas.

Given the rising number of GBS cases, PMC decided to clean all 144 water tanks under its jurisdiction as a precautionary measure. The city has both underground and overhead water storage tanks. However, only 52 tanks have been cleaned so far, according to officials from the water supply department.

With GBS cases still being reported, residents of affected areas continue to express concerns over water safety and the slow pace of municipal action.