Special Correspondent
Pune : An outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in areas supplied by private water tankers has raised alarms after E. coli bacteria was detected in 15 water sources used by these tankers. Despite advisories from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), many private tanker operators have allegedly ignored safety protocols, exacerbating the public health crisis.
Over the past few days, a surge in GBS cases has been reported in Khadakwasla, Dhayari, Kirkitwadi, and surrounding areas. The PMC launched inspections of water sources and food supplies in these neighborhoods, revealing contamination in tanker water collection points. Officials confirmed that E. coli, a bacteria linked to severe gastrointestinal and systemic infections, was present in the water.
The PMC had urged tanker operators to treat water with bleaching powder before distribution and even provided it free of cost. However, only three to four tanker owners collected the powder, according to Nandkishor Jagtap, head of the PMC’s water supply department. “Most operators neglected the directive, risking public health,” he said.
Authorities are now issuing immediate notices to all contaminated water centers, mandating the use of bleaching powder in tankers before supplying water to residents. Jagtap warned that tankers failing to comply would face permanent shutdowns and legal action for endangering public health.
The crisis has also exposed regulatory gaps, as many private tankers operating in the area are not registered with the PMC. Registration is mandatory, requiring operators to disclose water sources, but compliance remains low.
“The PMC is taking all necessary steps to curb the spread of GBS,” Jagtap emphasized. “Strict action will follow if private operators continue to disregard guidelines.”
The outbreak highlights urgent concerns over unregulated water supply networks and their impact on community health, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and accountability.
