Pune Municipal Corporation Shuts Down 43 RO Plants on Sinhagad Road Over Water Contamination Concerns
Pune Municipal Corporation Shuts Down 43 RO Plants on Sinhagad Road Over Water Contamination Concerns
Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has sealed 43 private RO (Reverse Osmosis) water purification plants along Sinhagad Road for failing to comply with newly implemented regulations. The crackdown comes after a surge in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases, which was linked to contaminated water supply in the region.
Rising GBS Cases Prompt PMC Action
Three months ago, areas like Khadakwasla, Kirkitwadi, Nanded, and Dhayari reported a sharp increase in GBS cases. Investigations revealed that the water supplied to residents was contaminated, including water sold by private RO plants. Following these findings, PMC introduced strict guidelines for private RO projects, making compliance mandatory for continued operation.
Despite the new regulations, several private RO plant operators continued their business without necessary approvals, leading to multiple complaints. Subsequent inspections by PMC officials found violations, prompting them to seal 43 plants for non-compliance.
Major RO Plants Sealed Across Key Areas
PMC’s water supply department conducted inspections and sealed:
- 21 RO plants in Narhe village
- 9 in Nanded village
- 8 in Kirkitwadi
- 5 in Khadakwasla
Officials have confirmed that enforcement actions will continue against illegal operations.
Limited Compliance, Ongoing Health Measures
While all RO plants are required to meet PMC’s guidelines, only 4 to 5 operators have obtained the necessary approvals. Meanwhile, PMC had earlier provided free medical treatment to GBS patients at its hospitals under the Urban Poor Scheme. Financial aid of ₹2 lakh was granted to eligible patients, while others received ₹1 lakh.
However, with the decline in GBS cases, the PMC is considering discontinuing financial aid, though no official decision has been made yet.
