Pune: 19 Private Water Plants Found Contaminated in GBS-Affected Sinhagad Road Area
Pune, 4th February 2025: In a shocking revelation, out of 30 private water purification projects (RO plants) supplying water to the Sinhagad Road area, 19 have been found to be contaminated. This comes amid a rising number of suspected cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in the region. Taking serious note of the situation, Pune Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale has directed the Water Supply Department to take strict action against private tankers and RO project operators responsible for supplying impure water.
Speaking on the matter, Dr. Bhosale stated, “The water contamination in these purification projects is a serious concern, especially considering the increasing cases of GBS. The Water Supply Department has been instructed to take strict action against private tanker operators and purification plants supplying unsafe water to residents.”
The affected areas include Khadakwasla, Kirkitwadi, Nanded, Nandoshi, Dhayari, DSK Vishwa, and Ambegaon, where GBS cases have been increasing in recent days. In response, both state and central teams have visited the region and instructed municipal and district authorities to implement urgent measures.
Initial tests conducted on well water used by local residents found no contamination. However, further investigations into private tanker water sources revealed the presence of E. coli and other harmful bacteria. Despite receiving a report confirming the contamination, municipal authorities initially responded by issuing only written warnings to the tanker operators, urging them to use bleaching powder for water purification instead of enforcing strict measures.
To assess the safety of water supplied through private purification plants, municipal officials collected and tested samples from 30 projects in the area. The results confirmed that water from 19 of these projects was unsafe for consumption. Taking cognizance of this alarming development, Dr. Bhosale ordered immediate legal action against those responsible, as per municipal regulations.
