MP HC Asks Chief Secretary To Appear Via Video Conferencing Over Indore Water Contamination Deaths
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed Chief Secretary Anurag Jain to appear before it via video conferencing and explain the steps being taken to prevent water contamination in the state, following multiple deaths linked to unsafe drinking water in Indore.
Conflicting Death Figures, Over 1,400 Fall Ill
While the Madhya Pradesh government has officially stated that eight people died due to contaminated water, the Indore district administration has issued compensation cheques of ₹2 lakh each to 18 affected families, according to media reports.
The outbreak has severely impacted Bhagirathpura, where more than 1,400 residents have fallen ill since December 24, reporting symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration. On Tuesday alone, 38 new cases were reported.
A total of 142 patients have been hospitalised so far, including 11 who are currently undergoing treatment in intensive care units.
‘Right to Clean Drinking Water Part of Right to Life’
A division bench comprising Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi, while hearing a batch of petitions related to the outbreak, observed that the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution also includes the right to access clean and safe drinking water.
The bench further noted that water contamination is not confined to Indore alone and termed it a statewide issue requiring urgent administrative intervention.
Court Seeks Comprehensive Action Plan
The High Court directed the Chief Secretary to appear before it on January 15 and apprise the court of preventive measures being implemented to avoid similar incidents in the future.
The bench also asked the state government to outline immediate and emergency measures being taken in Bhagirathpura, including medical response, preventive steps, corrective actions, compensation for victims, and disciplinary or penal action against those responsible.
The court further sought details on directions issued to local bodies and steps taken to ensure public awareness and transparency.
Safe Water Supply and Free Medical Care Ordered
The court directed authorities to immediately ensure the supply of safe drinking water to affected areas through tankers or packaged water at government expense. It also ordered free medical screening and treatment for all residents impacted by the outbreak.
Earlier, residents of Bhagirathpura had complained of an unusual smell in the water supply. Officials later confirmed that more than half of the groundwater samples collected from borewells tested positive for E coli, indicating faecal contamination and a serious public health risk.
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