Pune: PMC Scrambles To Fix Sewer Lines Amid GBS Outbreak In Newly Merged Villages; Rs 1.25 Crore Allocated For Urgent Repairs

Pune, 20th February 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is facing mounting pressure to repair sewage pipelines in newly merged villages after cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) were reported in the region. Despite previously reallocating the budget meant for these villages, the civic body is now compelled to undertake urgent repairs following directives from Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar, along with the state health department.

Several villages along Sinhagad Road, including Khadakwasla, Kirkitwadi, and Nanded City, have been identified for necessary sewer infrastructure improvements. The lack of prior attention to these areas has resulted in worsening sanitation conditions, forcing PMC to allocate ₹1.25 crore in the initial phase for repairs and new sewage lines in affected regions.

Had PMC undertaken infrastructure development earlier, the need for an emergency fund allocation without a formal tendering process could have been avoided. The slow progress has sparked criticism within civic circles, raising concerns about financial mismanagement.

GBS cases have been on the rise in these villages, particularly in areas like Nanded City, Khadakwasla, and DSK Vishwa. Reports indicate that contaminated water sources, including borewells and wells that receive untreated water, could be contributing to the surge in infections. The state government has directed PMC to implement necessary precautionary measures to prevent further outbreaks.

These villages were included in PMC limits in 2024-25, with a substantial budget initially earmarked for infrastructure development. However, before the state assembly elections, the government imposed restrictions on property tax collection from these villages, leading to revenue losses for PMC and delays in development work.

Criticism has mounted against the PMC administration for reallocating funds meant for these villages to politically favored projects. Following public outcry, Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale reversed the fund reallocation decision.

With the growing health crisis, PMC has now approved a ₹1.25 crore expenditure for urgent sewer and wastewater repairs. Due to the emergency nature of the work, the corporation bypassed the standard tendering process, directly assigning the project to a contractor. The situation has reignited discussions on the need for timely investment in civic infrastructure to prevent such crises in the future.