Pune: PMC Adopts Automated System to Disinfect Wells Amid GBS Outbreak
Pune, 28th January 2025: In a significant move to curb the spread of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in Pune’s affected villages, the municipal administration has decided to install an automatic system to add chlorine powder to water wells. This measure comes after an increase in GBS cases in areas such as Kirkatwadi, Nanded City, Dhayari, Ambegaon, and Nandoshi.
Currently, water for these villages is supplied from a well in Nanded, where it is disinfected manually by municipal staff. Water from dams is brought to the well via tankers, where employees add chlorine powder before it is distributed to the villages. However, to improve efficiency and ensure accurate chlorination, an automatic chlorine dosing system is now being planned.
“The municipal administration is considering installing an automatic meter system on the well to regulate chlorine levels effectively,” said Nandkishore Jagtap, head of the municipal water supply department.
The rise in GBS cases has been linked to contaminated water in these areas. In response, the state health department and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) are working closely to mitigate the situation. Madhuri Misal, Minister of State for Medical Education, has instructed the authorities to ensure seamless coordination and prioritize measures to tackle the disease.
To address the medical needs of GBS patients, Kamala Nehru Hospital under PMC is fully equipped to provide treatment. Additionally, the financial assistance cap for medical aid has been increased from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakhs. PMC has also appointed a nodal officer to oversee the efforts and completed a survey of approximately 65,000 houses in the affected regions.
Further, vital resources, such as Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) injections, have been made available for patients. Minister Misal has reassured the public, urging them not to panic. She emphasized the importance of preventive measures, such as boiling water before consumption, to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.
