Special Correspondent
Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has identified 14 out of 30 private reverse osmosis (RO) water plants supplying contaminated water in the city. This discovery comes amid a rise in Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases, a rare nerve disorder.
During a recent inspection in Kirkatwadi, Nanded, and Nandoshi areas, PMC tested water from 30 RO plants. Alarmingly, 19 of these plants showed the presence of coliform bacteria, and 14 also tested positive for E. coli, raising serious public health concerns.
Following the findings, the PMC has begun legal action against the responsible private water suppliers, as directed by Municipal Commissioner Rajendra Bhosle. The PMC has also initiated further water quality testing across other plants in the city to ensure the safety of residents.
The spike in GBS cases in Pune has drawn attention to the issue, with most cases reported in areas under PMC jurisdiction such as Khadakwasla, Kirkitwadi, and Nandoshi. To address the growing concern, the PMC, along with private water suppliers and tanker operators, has increased testing efforts, especially in the affected areas.
Water supplied by 15 tankers to Kirkatwadi, Nanded, and Dhayari also showed coliform contamination. In response, the PMC ordered the addition of bleaching powder to the water, with strict penalties for tanker operators who fail to comply with safety protocols.
A major concern highlighted by the PMC is the lack of direct control over private RO plants, which has prompted plans to introduce a new policy that would bring these businesses under municipal supervision.
In light of the contamination, the PMC has informed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and further action will be taken at their level.
What is GBS? Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder where the immune system attacks peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness, numbness in limbs, and in severe cases, paralysis or difficulty in breathing. Though it primarily affects adults, people of all ages can be affected.
As of Monday, 163 suspected GBS cases have been reported in Maharashtra, including five new cases from Pune. Among these, 127 are confirmed, with 32 from Pune city, 86 from newly added areas within PMC limits, and others from Pimpri Chinchwad, Pune rural, and surrounding districts. Out of the 163 patients, 47 have been discharged, 47 remain in ICU, and 21 are on ventilator support.
The situation remains under close watch as authorities continue to investigate the connection between contaminated water and the rise in GBS cases.
