Pune Municipal Corporation Urges Citizens to Drink Tap Water to Prevent Monsoon Epidemics
Pune, 20th May 2025: With the onset of pre-monsoon showers in parts of the city, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued an appeal to citizens to avoid drinking untreated water from borewells and canals. The civic body has urged residents to rely on tap water supplied by the corporation to prevent the spread of water-borne diseases.
The PMC’ has warned that contaminated water—especially during the rainy season—can lead to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, gastroenteritis, dysentery, and jaundice. Additionally, open food contaminated by flies can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
“Citizens should drink only filtered or boiled tap water. Avoid using borewell or canal water unless treated properly,” said Dr. Vaishali Jadhav, Assistant Health Officer, and Dr. Nina Borade, Chief of Health at PMC’s Epidemic Control Department.
To strengthen the city’s epidemic preparedness, PMC has instructed all municipal hospitals and affiliated facilities to stock epidemic medicine kits. A 50-bed isolation ward has also been set up at Dr. Naidu Infectious Diseases Hospital in Baner, with 24-hour services available.
Guidelines for Personal and Public Hygiene:
Personal Hygiene Tips:
- Avoid eating stale or uncovered food; keep food protected from flies.
- Wash hands with soap and water before meals and after using the toilet.
- Always drink safe water—filter it, boil for at least 20 minutes, and cool before use.
- Install window screens, wear full-sleeved clothing, and use mosquito nets to avoid mosquito bites.
- Clean and dry water tanks weekly, and ensure they remain covered.
- Dispose of items like coconut shells, buckets, tires, and bottles that may collect rainwater to prevent mosquito breeding.
Public and Community Hygiene Measures:
- Housing societies should ensure regular cleaning of water pumps and storage tanks.
- Schools, colleges, and public institutions must clean their drinking water tanks periodically.
- Citizens must keep their homes and surroundings clean and practice regular waste segregation.
- Construction sites, particularly those with labor settlements, should prevent water stagnation to avoid disease spread.
The PMC has emphasized that community awareness and preventive hygiene are key to avoiding monsoon-related health crises.
