Indore Tragedy: Do RO Purifiers Truly Protect Against Deadly Water Bacteria? Experts Speak

• In Bhagirathpura, Indore, contaminated water led to 18 deaths and hundreds hospitalized with severe symptoms like vomiting and organ damage.
• Despite company claims, a National Institute of Virology, Pune study suggests ROs may not eliminate all waterborne viruses like Hepatitis E.
• Dr. Piyush Ranjan (Sir Ganga Ram Hospital) states there's a lack of concrete evidence for RO removing bacteria/viruses, recommending boiling water instead.
• Dr. Deepak Gunjan (AIIMS New Delhi) notes filtration can remove pathogens but also beneficial minerals; professional investigation is needed for hidden pollutants.
• WHO warns that regularly drinking RO water can have side effects, removing over 90% of essential calcium and magnesium.

Why It Matters: RO purifiers' effectiveness against all waterborne threats is questioned; boiling remains a safer option.