Guillain-Barré Syndrome In Pimpri-Chinchwad: PCMC Orders Shutdown Of All Unauthorised RO Water Bottling Plants

In a decisive move to protect public health, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has ordered the immediate shutdown of all unauthorised RO water bottling plants operating within the city limits from Saturday. The action follows growing concerns over the presence of contaminated groundwater in bottled water, which has been linked to the cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and other waterborne diseases.

The decision was taken in a municipal meeting, where it was revealed that several private RO water bottling plants in the city were drawing water from borewells and open wells, potentially exposing residents to harmful contaminants. These plants, which supply water in bottles and plastic cans, were found to be operating without proper licenses and failing to meet safety standards.

Under the new directive, all unauthorised RO bottling plants have been ordered to shut down indefinitely until a thorough review and quality assessment are conducted. The PCMC Water Supply Department, in coordination with the Health and Medical Department, has been tasked with implementing the crackdown. Officials, including engineers, inspectors and security personnel, will carry out immediate inspections and enforcement actions to seal non-compliant facilities.

PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh emphasising the urgency of the situation, said, "The safety and well-being of our citizens are of utmost priority. The consumption of contaminated water can lead to serious health hazards, including GBS and other waterborne illnesses. These unauthorised RO plants are operating without proper licenses and using unsafe water sources. We cannot allow such a risk to persist."

All operators of illegal RO bottling plants have been instructed to comply with the shutdown orders immediately, failing which legal action will be initiated. The ban will remain in effect until further notice, subject to a detailed assessment of groundwater quality and compliance with safety regulations.

Further, PCMC has urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid consuming bottled water from unauthorised sources. The administration reassured citizens that official municipal water supply remains safe and is regularly monitored for quality and safety.

PCMC chief engineer Pramod Ombhase said, "This is a necessary step to prevent further health risks. The municipal corporation will not tolerate any unauthorised activity that endangers public health."

The PCMC Health and Medical Department has also been directed to verify the licensing status of water suppliers and assist in enforcement efforts. The corporation urges the public to report any suspected illegal RO water plants to local authorities.