Crackdown on unlicensed packaged water units

To curb unauthorized and unsafe packaged drinking water operations, the District Administration, Food Safety Authority, and Police in Dimapur have announced that regular inspections will be carried out to ensure strict enforcement of safety standards. Stakeholders have been urged to cooperate in eliminating non-compliant practices and safeguarding public health.
Earlier, in a joint effort, the three agencies conducted an inspection on August 8, 2025, targeting bottling and reverse osmosis (RO) treatment units operating without valid licenses. According to DIPR, the inspection revealed multiple violations of prescribed water quality and safety norms. Summon orders were issued to 13 defaulting units, and penalties were imposed under relevant 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.
As per official records, 34 water bottling plants within the jurisdiction of the Food Safety Authority, Dimapur, currently hold valid licenses issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). These include 21 units in Dimapur, 11 in Chumoukedima, and one each in Medziphema and Niuland.
Deputy Commissioner had earlier directed all Food Business Operators (FBOs) dealing in packaged drinking water to obtain FSSAI licenses and conduct water sample testing through certified laboratories.
Following a government notification, the mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification mark has been dispensed with. However, it is now compulsory for all operators to possess a valid Food Safety License Certificate. Retailers and distributors have also been cautioned against stocking or selling water products without proper labelling, including the 14-digit FSSAI license number, brand name, packaging date, and expiry date. Violations will attract penal action under Section 52 of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006.
Consumers are advised to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing untested and unlabeled water products, which pose serious public health risks, including waterborne diseases.