Pune: The rising cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in areas such as Dhayari, Kirkatwadi, Nanded, and DSK Vishwa have prompted an investigation into private tanker water quality, revealing severe contamination.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has found E. Coli and Coliform bacteria in all 15 tanker filling centers, leading to imminent action against the suppliers.

In response to the growing health crisis, PMC officials conducted water quality tests on private tanker borewells. Shockingly, the laboratory results confirmed that the water from all 15 tanker filling stations contained dangerous levels of bacterial contamination, making it unfit for drinking.

Speaking with mediapersons, Nandkishor Jagtap, Head of the PMC Water Supply Department, stated that all contaminated filling centers will receive official notices. If these centers fail to comply with disinfection procedures, permanent closure will be enforced due to the risk to public health.

Despite the rising GBS cases, PMC had been testing only municipal water supplies, overlooking unregulated private tankers. PMC collected water samples from private tanker borewells on January 28, and test results on January 30 confirmed severe contamination.

Bacterial Contamination Confirmed

• E. Coli and Coliform bacteria were found in every tested sample.

• The bacterial count was significantly high, indicating serious contamination.

• Residual chlorine was absent, proving that disinfection procedures were ignored.

• The hardness of the tanker water exceeded that of PMC’s municipal supply, making it unsuitable for drinking.

• Notices are being issued to all tanker operators supplying contaminated water.

• PMC had earlier provided bleaching powder for disinfection, but inspections revealed it was not being used.

• Violating centers will face permanent shutdown if further tests confirm non-compliance.