Indore Water Contamination Crisis Deepens; Over 1,100 Ill in Bhagirathpura
The contaminated drinking water crisis in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area has worsened, triggering panic among residents and sharp political reactions.
Locals claim that eight people have died due to severe diarrhoea and vomiting, though the district administration has so far confirmed three deaths.
A massive health survey has revealed that 1,146 people have fallen ill, while more than 150 patients remain hospitalised, several of them in critical condition.
CM Announces Compensation and Free Treatment
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav took immediate note of the situation and announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for the families of those who died.
He also directed that the entire cost of treatment for affected patients would be borne by the state government. The CM assured strict action against officials found responsible for the lapse.
Civic Officials Suspended After Administrative Action
Following the chief minister’s orders, the government suspended zonal officer Shaligram Sitole and assistant engineer Yogesh Joshi. Authorities also removed PHE sub-engineer Shubham Shrivastava from service.
The administration has set up a three-member inquiry committee to identify technical failures, negligence, and accountability.
Drainage Leak Found Near Toilet, Water Supply Cut
The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) traced the source of contamination to a leak beneath a public toilet near the Bhagirathpura police outpost.
Officials suspect that drainage water entered the drinking water pipeline. Repair work began immediately under the supervision of IMC Commissioner Dileep Kumar Yadav.
The civic body has suspended water supply to the locality until flushing, chlorination, and laboratory testing are completed. Officials said water would resume only after reports confirm safety, stressing that public health would not be compromised.
Outbreak Scale Alarms Authorities
Health teams surveyed 2,703 households, covering nearly 12,000 residents. Officials found that almost every second household has at least one sick member. Symptoms include continuous vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, and weakness.
More than 150 patients are undergoing treatment in government and private hospitals, while others remain under medical observation at home.
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Doctors reported that over 30 patients are in serious condition, and some are responding slowly to treatment. The possibility of cholera has not yet been ruled out.
Residents Fear Drinking Water, Reject Tanker Supply
Fear has gripped Bhagirathpura residents. Many people refuse to drink even tanker water supplied by the civic body, saying they have lost trust in the municipal system. Several families are now arranging RO water privately despite the added cost.
Door-to-Door Medical Response Intensifies
Health department teams have deployed across 14 lanes of the locality for door-to-door screening.
ASHA workers are distributing ORS packets, zinc tablets, and chlorine tablets, while ambulances are shifting serious patients to hospitals. Officials are urging residents to drink only boiled water and avoid outside food.
Political Tensions Rise as Congress Attacks BJP
Pradesh Congress Committee chief Jitu Patwari visited affected patients at Verma Nursing Home and accused the BJP-led civic body of gross negligence.
He alleged corruption in water supply projects and demanded criminal cases against those responsible. Patwari also questioned the absence of senior civic leaders during the crisis.
Probe Underway as Area Battles Health Emergency
District Collector Shivam Verma said officials are monitoring the situation round the clock. The inquiry committee will submit its findings after laboratory reports arrive.
As Bhagirathpura continues to battle one of Indore’s worst public health emergencies in recent years, residents await accountability and safe drinking water.
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