Pune: In response to the rising cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in various parts of Pune, the Pune Municipal Corporation has initiated strict action against private water tankers and Reverse Osmosis (R.O.) plants supplying water to affected areas.

PMC Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale has directed the water supply department to conduct an immediate crackdown, while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also been alerted through an official letter.

Contaminated Water Identified as Potential Cause

The Kirkatwadi, Dhayari, DSK Vishva, and Ambegaon areas have reported a surge in GBS cases, prompting authorities to investigate the quality of drinking water being supplied.

The municipal corporation recently collected water samples from 15 private tanker-filling stations and 30 R.O. plants for testing. The results revealed bacterial contamination in all private tanker samples and 19 out of 30 R.O. plant samples, making them unsafe for human consumption.

This has raised serious concerns over waterborne disease outbreaks in affected regions. Officials confirmed that no regulatory framework currently exists for private water tankers, meaning they are not registered with the municipal corporation.

Additionally, since R.O. plants fall under the jurisdiction of the FDA, the municipal body had previously cited a lack of authority to take action against them. However, with the growing health crisis, the administration is now moving forward with necessary legal and preventive measures.

Preventive Measures: Bleaching Powder Distribution and Crackdown

To curb the spread of waterborne infections, the municipal corporation has ordered 15 private tankers to mix bleaching powder into the water before supplying it to residents. To facilitate this, free bleaching powder is being provided to tanker operators. As of now, 14 out of 15 tankers have received the powder and begun its usage, according to municipal officials.