Pune Divisional Commissioner Orders Disciplinary Action Over GBS Outbreak, Contaminated Water Supply
Pune Divisional Commissioner Orders Disciplinary Action Over GBS Outbreak, Contaminated Water Supply
PUNE: Amid a surge in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases in Pune district, Divisional Commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar has directed disciplinary action against officials failing to ensure clean water supply, citing negligence in containing the outbreak.
Since January 9, 2025, Pune has reported a spike in GBS cases, with clusters emerging in Nande Gaon, Nanded, Dhayari, Kirkitwadi, and Khadakwasla. As of now, the district has recorded 230 cases (201 confirmed), with 12 suspected deaths (six confirmed), state health officials said.
On March 12, Pulkundwar issued written orders to five districts—Pune, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, and Kolhapur—to ensure clean water supply and prevent further outbreaks. Municipal commissioners of Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, Kolhapur, and Ichalkaranji have also been directed to take immediate measures.
“It is necessary to supply clean water to control the GBS outbreak. Disciplinary action should be taken against officials who fail to implement this directive,” said Pulkundwar.
Government Monitoring GBS Cases Closely
The directive follows a letter from Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, who noted that despite efforts, the situation remains unsatisfactory. “Contaminated water in Pune district is still causing diarrhoea cases, which could trigger a surge in GBS cases. The central government is monitoring the situation,” Saunik stated.
Dr. Nina Borade, Health Chief of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), confirmed receiving the directive and assured that water quality testing, IEC awareness activities, and free distribution of Mediclor are underway. “We have urged the water supply department to ensure safe drinking water for all citizens,” she added.
Contaminated Water Linked to Outbreak
Since the outbreak, authorities have tested 7,262 water samples, revealing contamination in 144 water sources, including private and public wells, borewells, RO plants, and PMC/PCMC water supply sources.
The government has urged immediate corrective measures to prevent further cases and bring the situation under control.
