Pune: PMC Seals 43 RO Plants Again After Failing Water Quality Checks Amid GBS Outbreak

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has sealed 43 reverse osmosis (RO) plants in the Sinhagad Road area after discovering they were operating without permission and failing to meet safety standards. This action comes despite previous warnings and the spread of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), linked to contaminated food and water in the region.

Last month, the areas of Dhayari, Kirkatwadi, Nanded, Narhe, and Khadakwasla reported a rise in GBS cases. As a preventive measure, the PMC tested water from local RO plants and found several to be contaminated, leading to their closure. However, reports surfaced that some plants resumed operations clandestinely.

Lack of Compliance and Inspections

To prevent further health risks, the PMC allowed only those RO plants that met strict water quality standards and followed the guidelines issued by the water supply department to reopen. Regular inspections by health inspectors from the regional offices were also mandated.

Despite these measures, several operators restarted their plants without obtaining the necessary permissions or complying with regulations. Following this, the water supply department inspected 57 RO plants in the area. Only four met the required standards and received permission to operate. The remaining 43 were sealed once again.

Sealed Plants by Area:

• Narhe: 21
• Nanded: 9
• Kirkatwadi: 8
• Khadakwasla: 5