Indore Water Contamination: At Least Nine Dead, Hundreds Ill in Bhagirathpura

Deadly Outbreak in Bhagirathpura

A severe public health crisis has gripped the Bhagirathpura area of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, following widespread water contamination that has resulted in at least nine confirmed deaths due to diarrhoeal illness. Over 2,800 residents have fallen ill, with more than 150 people currently hospitalised, suffering from symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea.

The tragedy has drawn significant attention, particularly as Indore has consistently been ranked as India's cleanest city. While official figures on the death toll have varied, a probe committee has linked nine deaths directly to the diarrhoeal outbreak. Local residents, however, claim a higher number of fatalities, with some reports suggesting up to 14 deaths, including a six-month-old infant.

Source of Contamination Identified

Investigations into the outbreak have revealed the presence of bacteria 'generally found in sewer water' in drinking water samples collected from the affected locality. Laboratory tests have specifically confirmed the presence of fecal coliform, E. coli, and Klebsiella bacteria, indicating severe contamination. Officials believe the contamination occurred due to a leakage in a main drinking water pipeline, specifically the Narmada pipeline, which was found to be passing beneath a public toilet near a police outpost in Bhagirathpura.

The absence of a mandatory safety tank at the toilet allowed sewage to seep into the potable water network through a loose joint in the decades-old pipeline. Residents had reportedly complained of an unusual smell and discoloured water as early as December 25, with problems escalating rapidly thereafter.

Official Response and Ongoing Investigation

In response to the crisis, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the matter, issuing a notice to the Madhya Pradesh government and seeking a detailed report within two weeks. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has visited the affected area and announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased, along with free medical treatment for all affected patients.

Administrative action has also been swift, with the dismissal of a sub-engineer and the suspension of a zonal officer and assistant engineer. A high-level probe panel is currently investigating the negligence. The Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has also intervened, directing authorities to submit a detailed status report by January 2. Efforts are underway to mitigate the crisis, including:

• Door-to-door surveys to identify and treat affected individuals.
• Distribution of chlorine tablets and oral rehydration solutions (ORS).
• Deployment of 100 water tankers to supply clean drinking water to the area.
• Flushing of affected pipelines by the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC).

Concerns have been raised regarding administrative delays, as a tender for a new water supply line in the area, issued in August, remained stalled for four months.