Pimpri-Chinchwad | January 31, 2025: The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has issued an urgent advisory urging over 2.5 million residents to boil drinking water for the next 72–96 hours after a critical failure at its primary water purification plant. Officials confirmed that damaged filtration machinery had disrupted the clean water supply, forcing the temporary release of unfiltered water into the distribution network.
“Repairs are underway, but full restoration will take 3–4 days. Until then, boiling water for 10 minutes is mandatory to prevent waterborne illnesses,” said a PCMC spokesperson. The advisory follows reports of sediment and potential pathogen risks, with health experts warning of heightened gastrointestinal risks for children and seniors.
Key Updates & Precautions
- Emergency Repairs: Engineers are working 24/7 to fix the filtration system by Sunday.
- Public Health Alert: Clinics report a 15% spike in stomach-related complaints; no confirmed contamination yet.
- Alternatives Recommended: Use bottled water or community RO plants.
This incident highlights aging infrastructure in Maharashtra’s urban hubs. PCMC’s water facilities, last upgraded in 2018, have faced repeated breakdowns since 2022. Residents are advised to:
- Avoid unboiled tap water for drinking/cooking.
- Share alerts with vulnerable communities.
- Monitor symptoms like diarrhea or nausea.