Indore, Jan 3: A diarrhoea outbreak triggered by contaminated drinking water in the Bhagirathpura area of Indore has claimed at least 10 lives, according to the city mayor, even as the health department has so far officially confirmed four deaths, highlighting gaps in data and mounting public concern.
Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava on Friday said he had received information about 10 deaths linked to the outbreak. However, local residents claimed the toll could be higher, putting the number of deaths at 14 to 15, including a six-month-old infant. These claims have not yet been confirmed by authorities.
Over the past nine days, more than 1,400 people in Bhagirathpura have been affected by vomiting and diarrhoea. Health officials said that as of Thursday night, 272 patients had been admitted to hospitals, of whom 71 were discharged. Of the 201 patients currently undergoing treatment, 32 are in intensive care units.
Laboratory tests conducted by a city medical college have confirmed that the outbreak was caused by contaminated drinking water, Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr Madhav Prasad Hasani said. Officials found a leakage in the main water supply pipeline near a police outpost in Bhagirathpura, at a location where a toilet has been constructed, which allegedly led to contamination of the water supply.
“Laboratory test reports have confirmed that the drinking water from the locality was contaminated due to leakage in a pipeline,” Dr Hasani said.
The administration has begun inspecting the entire drinking water supply network in the area to identify any additional leakages. Additional Chief Secretary Sanjay Dubey said clean water was restored to households on Thursday, though residents have been advised to boil water before drinking as a precaution.
“We are closely examining the entire drinking water supply pipeline in Bhagirathpura to find out if there is any leakage elsewhere,” Dubey said.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has ordered disciplinary action against senior Indore Municipal Corporation officials, including the immediate transfer of an additional commissioner. The state government has also announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased, though at least one family has reportedly refused to accept the compensation.
The outbreak has sparked a sharp political exchange, with the Congress targeting the BJP-led government. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said Prime Minister Narendra Modi frequently highlights the Jal Jeevan Mission but remains silent on deaths caused by contaminated water in Indore. Rahul Gandhi alleged that Madhya Pradesh had become a symbol of misgovernance, saying, “Not water, but poison was distributed in Indore, and the administration remained in deep slumber.”
The incident has cast a shadow over Indore’s reputation as India’s “cleanest city”, a title it has held for eight consecutive years under the Swachh Sarvekshan rankings, even as authorities scramble to contain the health crisis and ascertain the final death toll.
