Special Correspondent
Pune: The number of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases has increased recently, with authorities linking the outbreak to contaminated water. In response, the water from several reverse osmosis (RO) plants in affected areas was tested, and 26 plants have been sealed due to contamination.
Nandkishore Jagtap, head of the water supply department, confirmed the action, revealing that the municipal corporation tested water from 30 private RO plants in areas such as Singhgad, Dhayari, Nandedgaon, and Kirkitwadi. The tests showed that 19 plants had water contaminated with bacteria, while 11 plants had zero chlorine levels in their water, making it unsafe for consumption.
These RO plants will only be allowed to reopen after they meet safety standards, with water purification and further testing required. Political activists have pressured the municipal corporation to allow the plants to resume operations, even though the investigation revealed serious water quality issues.
While the water from 19 of the plants was found to be contaminated with bacteria, the other 11 had no bacteria but lacked the necessary chlorine levels for safe drinking water. The water supply department has sealed all affected plants. Some plant operators have disputed the action, arguing that their water does not contain bacteria, and questioning why their plants were sealed.
The municipal corporation explained that the water lacked chlorine, rendering it unsafe for consumption, even though no bacteria were found. Some plant operators have insisted that their water is sourced from the municipal supply and questioned why it lacks chlorine, urging the municipal corporation to allow them to continue operations.
The water supply department had conducted water tests from the RO plants, which led to the plants being sealed for contamination. In some cases, plant operators were found to have illegally tapped into the municipal water supply. These illegal connections have now been severed. The municipal corporation stressed that water quality should be tested at the tap, and that tanks used to store water at these plants need proper maintenance.
Moving forward, the water supply department will implement new guidelines for operating RO plants. Plants that meet the conditions outlined in these guidelines will be permitted to reopen. Nandkishore Jagtap confirmed that these steps would be taken to ensure the safety of public water supplies.
In a concerning revelation, it has emerged that some RO plant operators have been selling municipal water as treated RO water to customers. With this illegal practice coming to light, questions are being raised about whether the municipal corporation will take action against such violations.
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