Pune: Amid rising Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) cases, a municipal water quality check has revealed contamination in 13 areas of Pimpri-Chinchwad. The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) had sent 23 water samples for testing, of which Thergaon, Pimpri, Kalewadi, Ajmera, Dighi, Tathawade, Moshi, and Bhumkar Vasti were among the locations where water was found to be unfit for drinking.
Currently, 17 suspected GBS cases have been reported in Pimpri-Chinchwad, including one fatality. Given the potential link between contaminated water and the spread of GBS, the municipal authorities have decided to conduct another round of water testing in the affected areas.
Samples were collected from areas where GBS cases were reported as part of a citywide inspection drive. The State Health Laboratory in Pune confirmed contamination in 13 locations, prompting immediate action from the PCMC Water Supply Department.
PCMC has stated that its water purification plants follow strict scientific procedures before distributing water to citizens. TCL powder is used for disinfection, and all purification processes comply with standard safety guidelines.
The municipal corporation sources 540 million liters per day (MLD) of water from the Pavana River, which undergoes a five-step purification process at the Nigdi and Pradhikaran treatment centers:
Chlorination to eliminate bacteria.
Liquid disinfectant for further purification.
Filtration to remove impurities.
Storage in purified water tanks before distribution.
Final chlorine level checks every 10 minutes before public supply.
False Information Triggers Panic
Rumors circulated on social media claiming that filtration machines at the municipal purification plants had stopped working due to a malfunction. This misinformation caused fear among residents. In response, the PCMC Water Supply Department lodged a non-cognizable complaint at the Bhosari MIDC Police Station against those responsible for spreading false news.
Re-Testing in Contaminated Areas Underway
Following the test results, PCMC has assigned officials to re-test water samples in the affected areas using OT solution. The health department will oversee the process to ensure accurate findings.
PCMC Chief Water Supply Engineer Pramod Ombhase assured residents that every necessary measure is being taken to ensure safe drinking water for the city.
