Indore Water Emergency: Diarrhoea Outbreak Hospitalises 142, Blame Game Intensifies
The drinking water contamination crisis in Indore continues to impact hundreds of residents, with 142 people currently hospitalised due to diarrhoea caused by polluted water.
Of these, 11 patients are admitted to intensive care units, health officials confirmed on Sunday.
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The outbreak’s epicentre remains the Bhagirathpura area, where health teams have screened 9,416 people from 2,354 households so far.
During the latest round of screening, 20 new cases were detected. Officials said the overall situation is now under control, though surveillance and treatment continue.
Hospital Admissions and Death Toll Dispute
According to the health department, a total of 398 patients have been admitted to hospitals since the outbreak began. Of these, 256 have recovered and been discharged.
The administration has officially confirmed six deaths linked to contaminated water.
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However, Pushyamitra Bhargava earlier stated that ten people had died, while local residents claim the toll could be as high as 16, including a six-month-old child.
These conflicting figures have intensified public anger and distrust.
Central Health Team Joins Probe
Chief Medical and Health Officer Madhav Prasad Haasani said a specialist team from the National Institute for Research in Bacterial Infections has arrived in Indore.
The institute works under the Indian Council of Medical Research.
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The expert team is providing technical assistance to trace the source of contamination and prevent further spread.
Officials admitted that sewage overflow from a toilet constructed above a water pipeline led to drinking water contamination, triggering severe vomiting and diarrhoea.
Political Row and Congress Protests
The crisis has snowballed into a political storm. The Indian National Congress staged bell-ringing protests across Madhya Pradesh, demanding accountability and resignations.
The protests followed controversial remarks by Kailash Vijayvargiya, who used the word “ghanta” while responding to reporters’ questions about the crisis on December 31.
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Congress leaders accused him of insensitivity and demanded a judicial inquiry.
Bhagirathpura falls under the Indore-1 Assembly constituency, represented by Vijayvargiya, who holds the Urban Development and Housing portfolios.
Congress Ultimatum and Legal Demands
State Congress president Jitu Patwari warned of statewide agitation from January 11 if corrective steps are not taken.
He demanded registration of a culpable homicide case against Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava and concerned civic officials.
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Patwari claimed residents had complained for nearly eight months about contaminated tap water, but authorities failed to act.
He also alleged that water supplied through municipal tankers remains unsafe.
Administrative Fallout in Dewas
The controversy has led to administrative action beyond Indore. A sub-divisional magistrate in Dewas was suspended for allegedly copying portions of a Congress memorandum into an official order related to law and order arrangements.
Ujjain division revenue commissioner Ashish Singh ordered the suspension, citing serious negligence and irregular conduct.
Experts Blame Corruption and System Failure
Renowned water conservationist Rajendra Singh described the deaths as a “system-created disaster.”
He blamed corruption and faulty planning, alleging that drinking water pipelines are often laid dangerously close to drainage lines to cut costs.
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Singh also flagged Indore’s heavy dependence on the Narmada River. Water is pumped from Jalud in Khargone, nearly 80 km away, and supplied on alternate days.
Civic officials estimate around ₹25 crore is spent every month on electricity alone for this project.
Quoting earlier remarks by Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava, Singh said Indore consumes extremely expensive water, highlighting the urgent need for transparent governance, safer infrastructure and sustainable local water management.
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