PCMC orders immediate shutdown of illegal RO water-bottling plants

Move comes after more than two dozen RO plants were sealed by PMC this week

- Vicky Pathare

PUNE: Amid the outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has ordered an immediate shutdown of all unauthorised reverse osmosis (RO) water-bottling plants operating in the twin city of Pimpri-Chinchwad.

The PCMC move comes after more than two dozen RO plants in the GBS-affected areas of Pune were sealed by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).

All these RO water samples, collected in containers and jars from the GBS-affected areas, reportedly tested positive for coliform bacteria including E. coli.

As per the PCMC officials, the decision to shut down the RO plants in Pimpri-Chinchwad was taken after it was found that many private RO water-bottling plants 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 licences and without meeting safety standards, officials said on Friday.

Shekhar Singh, municipal commissioner, PCMC, said, "The safety and wellbeing of our citizens are of the 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 licences and using unsafe water sources. We cannot allow such a risk to persist."

All operators of illegal RO water-bottling plants have been instructed to immediately comply with the shutdown orders, failing which, legal action will be initiated.

Furthermore, the PCMC has urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid consuming bottled water from unauthorised sources.

The administration has reassured citizens that the official municipal water supply remains safe and is being regularly monitored for quality and safety.