Pune: The rise in Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases in Pune has caused concern among residents. Investigations have revealed that contaminated water may be the primary cause of this neurological disorder.
Despite the critical health implications, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) lacks data on the quality and sources of water supplied by thousands of private tankers operating daily in the city, putting citizens’ health at significant risk.
Recent tests conducted by the National Institute of Virology (NIV) on samples collected from GBS patients in Pune detected the Campylobacter jejuni bacterium, which is linked to GBS. This finding establishes a strong connection between the disease and the consumption of contaminated water.
PMC officials have inspected wells in areas such as Nanded and Dhayari, where municipal water is either insufficient or unavailable. The municipal corporation also collected water samples from 13 locations, sending them for laboratory analysis.
Reports indicate that a majority of GBS cases are from localities along Sinhagad Road, where untreated well water is directly supplied to housing societies.
To address the issue, PMC Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale has directed immediate action in these areas. However, in localities like Dhayari, Nanded, Nandoshi, Kirkitwadi, and Narhe, the reliance on private tankers has increased dramatically. Large housing societies in these areas require as many as 20 tankers daily to meet water demands.
Despite this extensive dependence on private tankers, PMC’s water supply department has no information about the source or quality of water these tankers provide. Some tankers reportedly source water directly from nearby canals or wells without treatment, exacerbating health risks.
Nandkishor Jagtap, head of PMC’s water supply department, acknowledged the issue and outlined steps being taken: “Details on the sources of private tanker water will be collected, and tests will be conducted to ensure the water is potable. Licenses will only be issued to tanker operators supplying safe drinking water. Societies are advised to procure water only from such licensed suppliers. PMC laboratories will provide free testing for samples of water currently being used by societies.”