At least three people died, and more than 100 others were hospitalised in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, after allegedly consuming contaminated water in the Bhagirathpura area of the city. Some locals, however,
claimed that five people died in the incident, according to news agency PTI.
The outbreak, which began after residents reported unusual taste and smell in municipal water supplied on December 25, has raised serious concerns about the safety of drinking water in the city.
Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava confirmed the deaths of three persons due to diarrhoea, but residents claimed that five people, including four women, have died after falling ill.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief over the deaths and announced that the state government would provide Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased and bear the medical expenses of those affected.
Residents alleged that they and their family members fell ill after consuming Narmada river water supplied through municipal tap connections.
Many reported suffering from vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration.
Nandlal Pal (80) died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital, his son Siddharth said. Seema Prajapat (50) died on the way to the hospital, while Urmila Yadav (70) passed away during treatment on December 28.
Residents said the water over the past few days tasted “bitter,” raising suspicion that excess purification chemicals or other contaminants might have altered its quality.
Municipal authorities said a leakage was detected in the main water supply pipeline in Bhagirathpura, where a toilet had been constructed over the line.
Municipal Commissioner Dilip Kumar Yadav said, “We found a leakage in the main water supply pipeline at a place in Bhagirathpura, over which a toilet has been constructed. Repair work is underway.”
Mayor Bhargava added, “A tender for laying a new water supply pipeline in the Bhagirathpura area had been issued months ago. Why was there a delay in this work? An impartial inquiry should be conducted to ascertain the reasons for negligence.”
The health department surveyed 2,703 households and examined around 12,000 people, providing on-the-spot primary treatment to 1,146 patients with mild symptoms.
A total of 111 patients with serious conditions were admitted to various hospitals, of whom 18 have been discharged.
Dr Madhav Prasad Hasani, Chief Medical and Health Officer, said samples of drinking water from the locality have been collected and sent to laboratories for testing.
The Congress party demanded that a case of culpable homicide be filed against Mayor Bhargava and the municipal commissioner.
State Congress president Jitu Patwari said, “If drainage water mixes with drinking water pipelines, people can suffer from vomiting, diarrhoea, and jaundice, but they do not die from it. It appears that some kind of poisonous substance had mixed into the drinking water pipeline, and this needs to be investigated.”
He added, “The BJP is in power in the Indore Municipal Corporation as well as at the state and the Centre. It is a matter of concern for the people of Indore what condition the city has come to under the BJP’s triple-engine government.”
State BJP spokesperson Alok Dubey condemned Patwari’s statement, saying he was being insensitive and engaging in “deliberate politics” over an unfortunate incident. Officials reiterated that all possible assistance is being provided to the victims.
Indore depends on the Narmada river for its water needs, with pipelines bringing water from Jalud in neighbouring Khargone district, about 80 km away.
Authorities have assured that strict action will be taken against those found responsible for the contamination.
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