13 bottling units summoned, 4 shut down
Dimapur, August 8 (MExN): The District Administration, Food Safety Authority and Police in Dimapur jointly conducted an enforcement drive on targeting packaged drinking water bottling and reverse osmosis (RO) treatment units operating without valid licenses.
During the inspection, officials detected multiple establishments violating prescribed water quality and safety standards. Summon orders were issued to 13 defaulting units, and penalties were imposed in accordance with legal provisions. Four operators—M/S Kugaho, M/S AA Water, M/S Elixir, and M/S Drizzle—have opted to shut down operations entirely.
According to official records, 34 water bottling plants currently operate under the jurisdiction of the Food Safety Authority, Dimapur, with valid licenses from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). These include 21 in Dimapur, 11 in Chümoukedima, and one each in Medziphema and Niuland.
Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner had directed all Food Business Operators (FBOs) dealing in packaged drinking water to secure FSSAI licenses and ensure testing of water samples through certified laboratories. Non-compliant businesses were cautioned to suspend operations and recall improperly labelled items.
As per government notification, the mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification mark has been dispensed with, making it compulsory for all operators to hold a valid Food Safety License Certificate. Retailers and distributors have also been warned against stocking or selling water products without proper labelling, including the 14-digit FSSAI license number, brand name, packaging and expiry dates. Violations will invite penal action under Section 52 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Consumers have been urged to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing untested and unlabeled water products, which not only contravene the law but also pose serious public health risks, including waterborne diseases.
The District Administration, Food Safety Authority, and Police have stated that they will continue regular monitoring to ensure strict enforcement. Stakeholders have been called upon to extend cooperation in eliminating unauthorized and unsafe packaged drinking water operations.
For further information, citizens can contact the hotline: +91-3862-366349.
