GBS: NGT Seeks Response from Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporations Over Guillain-Barre Syndrome Outbreak

Pune, 8th March 2025: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporations, seeking details on the measures taken to address the recent outbreak of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in Pune. The tribunal has directed both civic bodies to submit their responses within four weeks.

According to the health department, the GBS outbreak has been linked to contaminated water in affected areas. Concerned over the situation, a group of law students has filed a petition with the NGT, urging immediate action to ensure clean water supply to residents. The petition demands that the municipal corporations, along with the District Collector, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, Water Supply Department, and Sanitation Department, identify and eliminate the source of water contamination.

Additionally, the petition calls for the Public Health Department, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the state Urban Development Department to provide urgent medical aid, treatment, and financial assistance to GBS patients. It further argues that the municipal corporations should be penalized under the ‘polluter pays’ principle for failing to prevent the outbreak.

During the hearing, the NGT acknowledged that the petition and supporting evidence raise serious environmental concerns. The tribunal stated, “Prima facie, questions have been raised about the adverse impact on the environment. Both municipal corporations must submit an affidavit confirming whether the claims in the petition are valid and outline the steps taken to control the GBS outbreak.”

The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for April 16.