Pune GBS Outbreak: Residents At Risk As Sealed RO Projects Continue Backdoor Water Sales
Pune, 10th February 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has sealed several private Reverse Osmosis (RO) water projects in the Sinhagad Road areas of Dhayari, Nanded City, and Kirkatwadi after tests revealed contamination in the water supply. Despite these actions, reports indicate that some of these projects continue to operate illegally, raising concerns about public health, particularly the risk of a resurgence of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), which recently claimed five lives in the region.
The sealed projects were found to contain harmful bacteria, with 19 out of 30 tested water sources failing quality checks. In many cases, chlorine levels were either absent or insufficient. The contamination has turned Dhayari, Nanded City, Kirkatwadi, and DSK Vishwa into hotspots for GBS, prompting the PMC to implement water purification systems for municipal wells supplying these areas. Alongside this, private water tankers and RO projects were scrutinized, leading to the discovery of widespread contamination.
However, despite the PMC’s efforts to curb the spread of GBS, several of the sealed RO projects continue to supply water covertly. In some cases, water is being sold through side taps or water ATMs, while in others, jars are being filled and distributed without the corporation’s knowledge. This illicit activity is undermining the PMC’s public health initiatives and putting residents at risk.
Authorities have emphasized that no sealed projects should resume operations without meeting stringent regulations and obtaining official clearance. Yet, the lack of post-sealing inspections has allowed some operators to flout the rules, continuing their activities in violation of public health and epidemic control laws.
Residents and local health officials are calling for stricter enforcement and regular inspections to ensure compliance. The PMC is under increasing pressure to address these violations and prevent further public health risks in the area.
