Pune: Pimpri Residents Raise Alarm Over Contaminated Water Supply, Demand Urgent PCMC Action

Pimpri Chinchwad, 15th February 2025: Residents of Swarganga Housing Society in Vallabhnagar have raised concerns over the supply of contaminated water by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), stating that they have been receiving dirty and unclean water for the past three to four days. Despite lodging multiple complaints, they claim that the civic body has failed to take immediate action.

A senior scientist from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), who resides in the society, reported the issue on PCMC’s Sarathi portal but alleged that no officials had visited to inspect the problem. “Given the health risks, I personally collected water samples and sent them to the NIV laboratory in Pashan for testing,” the scientist said.

The issue has sparked serious health concerns, particularly with the recent cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) reported in Pimpri Chinchwad. The NIV scientist warned that prolonged exposure to contaminated water could potentially increase the risk of infections.
“So far, GBS cases in Pimpri Chinchwad appear to be sporadic with no specific clustering. However, if residents continue receiving muddy water like we have in our society, we cannot rule out the possibility of more people falling ill,” he added.

According to PCMC’s health department, 29 cases of GBS have been reported in the city, out of which 20 patients have recovered and been discharged, while one fatality has occurred.

With over 300 flats spread across 22 towers, many residents have resorted to using water purifiers. However, they worry that not all homes are equipped with purification systems, and even those that do may not be able to filter out all contaminants.

“Some of us have installed purifiers, but if the water quality is extremely poor, even those systems may not function effectively,” said the NIV scientist.

Rohit Katyare, secretary of Swarganga Housing Society, said residents have been lodging complaints online but have yet to receive a response from PCMC.

“People are extremely worried, especially with the recent GBS outbreak. The municipal corporation needs to take swift action as the entire community relies on this water for drinking and household use,” Katyare urged.

A senior official from PCMC’s water supply department acknowledged the issue, stating that the concerned department had been notified and directed to investigate. “We have informed our team in the area, and they have been asked to conduct a detailed inquiry into the water contamination issue. Necessary action will be taken,” the official assured.