Indore, Dec 31: Eight people have died and more than 100 others have fallen ill after allegedly consuming contaminated municipal water in the Bhagirathpura area of Indore, triggering serious concerns over drinking water safety in the city and a political slugfest between the ruling BJP and the Opposition Congress.
The outbreak began after residents complained of an unusual taste and smell in the municipal water supply received on December 25. Over the next few days, a large number of people reported symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration, forcing their admission to various government and private hospitals across the city.
By Tuesday, the health department had officially confirmed three deaths. However, local residents and officials said the toll rose sharply to eight by Wednesday. Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav said seven deaths had been reported due to illness, while acknowledging that some reports put the number at eight.
“The health department has officially confirmed three deaths. According to my information, the total number of deaths due to illness is seven. Thirty-six patients have been discharged, while more than 116 people are reported to be ill,” Bhargav told news agency ANI. He added that municipal teams were going door-to-door to ensure proper medical care for affected residents.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief over the incident and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased. He also said that the state government would bear the full cost of treatment for those hospitalised.
Following the incident, the state government took disciplinary action against officials for alleged negligence. Zonal officer Saligram Sitole and Assistant Engineer Yogesh Joshi were suspended, while Public Health Engineering (PHE) Superintendent Engineer Shubham Srivastava was removed from service with immediate effect.
“Bhagirathpura incident in Indore is tragic. Action has been taken against officials responsible for negligence,” CM Yadav said in a statement issued late on Tuesday, ordering a swift and impartial inquiry into the matter.
Municipal Commissioner Dilip Kumar Yadav said a leakage was detected in the main water supply pipeline in Bhagirathpura, at a spot where a toilet had been constructed over the line. “Repair work is underway. Water samples have been collected and sent for laboratory testing,” he said, adding that supply to the area would resume only after repairs and safety checks.
Health officials said an extensive survey was carried out in the locality. “We surveyed 2,703 households and examined around 12,000 people. On-the-spot primary treatment was provided to 1,146 patients with mild symptoms,” said Dr Madhav Prasad Hassani, Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO), Indore. He added that 111 patients with serious conditions were admitted to hospitals, of whom 18 have been discharged.
The tragedy has sparked sharp political reactions. The Opposition Congress accused the BJP-led municipal corporation and state government of gross negligence and alleged that the water supply may have been poisoned. Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari, who visited affected residents in hospitals, demanded a thorough investigation.
“This is a complete failure of the Municipal Corporation. If drainage water mixes with drinking water, people may fall ill, but they do not die. It appears that some poisonous substance mixed into the water pipeline, and this needs to be investigated,” Patwari said, adding that the Congress was considering filing an FIR against the Indore Municipal Corporation and Mayor Bhargav.
The BJP rejected the allegations, accusing the Congress of politicising a tragic incident. State BJP spokesperson Alok Dubey termed the remarks “insensitive” and said the administration was focused on providing relief and medical assistance to the victims.
Indore, which depends on Narmada river water supplied through pipelines from Jalud in neighbouring Khargone district, has been ranked the cleanest city in the country for eight consecutive years. The incident has nonetheless raised serious questions about infrastructure maintenance and monitoring of drinking water quality in the city.
Authorities said water tankers have been deployed in Bhagirathpura, medical camps set up, and residents advised not to use tap water for drinking until further notice. The results of laboratory tests on water samples are awaited.
