Pune: As Pune battles a rising number of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases, concerns over water contamination in the Sinhagad Road area have intensified. However, the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) Water Supply Department has deflected responsibility when questioned about monitoring water purification efforts, particularly the use of bleaching powder in private water sources.

When asked whether private tankers, tanker filling stations, and private wells were complying with the PMC’s advisory to use bleaching powder, the Water Supply Department responded, "This is not our job. We do not have sufficient manpower. The regional office should be handling this."

The PMC had previously urged water suppliers to use bleaching powder to ensure safe drinking water. However, when questioned about whether compliance was being monitored, Water Supply Department officials claimed, "We have provided bleaching powder to them, but tracking its use is not our responsibility."

On the other hand, officials from the Sinhagad Road Ward Office countered this statement, saying, "Water supply monitoring is the Water Supply Department’s responsibility. If they are short on manpower, we assist them. Our team, including supervisors, health inspectors, and staff, is conducting inspections."

The rising GBS cases in Sinhagad Road have gained attention from both the state and central governments. However, apart from issuing written notices and distributing bleaching powder, the PMC has not taken any strict action against private water suppliers.

Fresh Water Sample Collection

• The Water Supply Department has collected new water samples from 12 to 13 additional locations, including private tanker filling stations and private wells.

• Contaminated RO plants have been sealed.

• Citizens now eagerly await the test results of these water samples.