NGT takes cognizance of plea on Guillain-Barré Syndrome Outbreak in Pune due to contaminated drinking water
Pranav B Prem
The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Western Zone Bench, Pune, comprising Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh (Judicial Member) and Dr. Vijay Kulkarni (Expert Member), has taken cognizance of a plea concerning the outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, allegedly linked to contaminated drinking water. The Tribunal admitted the matter and issued directions for response from municipal authorities.
Background
The matter was brought before the Tribunal by law students Rishan Sarode, Shriya Awale, and Asim Sarode, who filed an Original Application under Section 14 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. The application alleged that the outbreak of GBS in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad was a result of severe water contamination in areas such as Kirkitwadi, Nanded, and Dhayari. It was stated that 166 cases of GBS had been reported, including five deaths, 21 patients on ventilator, 61 patients admitted in ICU, and 52 discharged. The applicants referred to lab reports indicating high levels of coliform and E. coli bacteria in water samples from the affected areas. These reports were annexed as part of the paper-book at pages 93–98. The applicants submitted that the water contamination was the cause of the GBS outbreak and sought immediate intervention and directions from the Tribunal.
Reliefs Sought
The application prayed for the following directions:
To direct Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to ensure the supply of safe and clean drinking water in the affected areas and conduct periodic water quality monitoring.
To direct the District Collector, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), and Water Supply and Sanitation Department to identify and eliminate sources of water contamination.
To direct the Public Health Department, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and Ministry of Urban Development to provide medical aid, treatment, and financial support to those affected.
To direct PMC and PCMC to decontaminate, seal, and sustainably manage contaminated wells under their jurisdiction.
To fix accountability under the “Polluter Pays” principle and impose penalties on those responsible for the outbreak.
Observations and Directions of the Tribunal
After hearing the submissions and perusing the material on record, the Tribunal noted that the matter involved serious environmental and public health concerns. Upon consideration of the pleadings and prima facie evidence, the Tribunal passed the following directions:
Directed the Registry to issue notice to Respondent No. 1 (PMC) and Respondent No. 2 (PCMC), returnable within four weeks.
Directed Respondents No. 1 and 2 to file affidavits stating:
Whether the statements made in the application are correct, and
What action they have taken in the matter regarding the outbreak of GBS.
Directed the applicants to serve copies of the Original Application and annexures to Respondents No. 1 and 2 within one week.
Directed the applicants to ensure that notice is served both physically and through email communication, if available.
Listed the matter for further consideration on 16.04.2025.
The Tribunal noted that based on the facts and materials presented, the matter was within its jurisdiction under Section 14 of the NGT Act and admitted the application accordingly.
Appearance
Applicants: Mr. Asim Sarode, Advocate along with Ms. Shriya Awale, Advocate
Respondents: -
Cause Title: Rishan Sarode v. PMC
Case No: Original Application No. 31 OF 2025 (WZ)
Coram: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh [Judicial Member], Hon’ble Dr. Vijay Kulkarni, [Expert Member]
[Read/Download order]
