Untreated Sewage Pollutes Pune Water, Residents Demand Urgent Action
Polluted water raises health alarms amid rising Guillain-Barré Syndrome cases
The deteriorating condition of Pune’s Khadakwasla Dam has sparked outrage among residents and civic activists as untreated sewage from nearby commercial establishments and residential areas continues to contaminate its waters. This alarming situation coincides with the recent spike in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases in the city, raising questions about the link between water pollution and public health risks. Locals have been vocal in demanding immediate intervention from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to set up a sewage treatment plant (STP) in the area, warning that prolonged inaction could have dire consequences. The dam, a vital water source for Pune, has become a dumping ground for waste from restaurants, farmhouses, and even the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), further exacerbating the crisis.
Civic Negligence and Poor Waste Management at the Forefront
Despite government mandates, the discharge of untreated sewage into the dam remains rampant, with nearly 28 outlets directly polluting the water source. A civic activist, stressed that while authorities acknowledge the issue, enforcement remains weak. “The stretch from Khadakwasla to Panshet provides water to the entire city, yet there is no proper filtration system. Raw sewage from farmhouses, restaurants, and other establishments is being dumped into the dam, posing severe health hazards,” he remarked. In addition to wastewater discharge, the area faces severe solid waste mismanagement, with food vendors indiscriminately dumping and burning garbage near the dam, further polluting both the land and water. This lack of regulation has led to growing dissatisfaction among taxpayers who expect clean and safe drinking water but are instead exposed to contaminated sources.
Public Health Risks and Environmental Consequences
The impact of water contamination extends beyond immediate health risks, with residents now forced to rely on bottled or RO-treated water for their daily needs. However, concerns remain that even purified water may not be entirely safe if the source itself is polluted. “We are purchasing water, but it ultimately comes from the same dam. If the contamination isn’t controlled at the source, filtration will not be enough,” said a local resident. The problem is compounded by the lack of stringent water quality audits, leaving citizens vulnerable to waterborne diseases. Businessman pointed out that past initiatives to restore the dam’s health, such as those led by retired Colonel, had limited impact due to lack of government support. Without a long-term sustainable solution, Pune’s primary water source remains at risk, endangering thousands of residents who depend on it.
A Call for Sustainable Solutions and Policy Reform
Environmentalists argue that only a multi-pronged approach can resolve Pune’s water crisis. Establishing sewage treatment plants, regulating waste disposal, and strengthening enforcement mechanisms are critical to preventing further contamination. Sustainable urban planning must prioritise water conservation measures, including increasing the dam’s storage capacity and implementing stricter regulations on establishments operating in its vicinity. The need for an STP is urgent, but so is accountability—civic authorities must enforce compliance among businesses and residential complexes to ensure long-term water sustainability. While the Khadakwasla project executive engineer has assured action against violators, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen. With rising health concerns and mounting public pressure, Pune’s water crisis can no longer be ignored—it requires immediate intervention backed by sustainable policies for a cleaner, healthier future.
