Indore is battling a serious public health crisis after contaminated drinking water triggered a massive outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea in the city’s Bhagirathpura area. At least 10 people have died, while more than 1,400 residents have fallen ill, overwhelming hospitals and drawing sharp political reactions.
The outbreak exposed deep flaws in civic water management and sparked anger among residents, who say they complained about foul-smelling water days before the crisis escalated.
Indore Water Contamination Case: Chief Minister Orders Action Against Civic Officials
Under mounting pressure, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced strict action against senior civic officials. He ordered disciplinary steps against the Indore Municipal Corporation leadership.
In a post on X, he wrote, “…I issued directions to the Indore Municipal Corporation Commissioner and Additional Commissioner to issue a show-cause notice in this regard, to immediately remove the Additional Commissioner from Indore, and to relieve the In-Charge Superintending Engineer of the charge of the Water Distribution Works Department. I also issued directions to immediately fill the necessary positions in the Indore Municipal Corporation with effect from now.”
The government said these steps aim to restore accountability and prevent future lapses.
Hospitals on Alert as Patients Continue to Arrive
Health officials said hospitals remain on high alert as patients continue to report symptoms. Senior doctors and district officials are monitoring treatment closely.
Chief Medical and Health Officer Madhav Prasad Hasani said, “Currently, senior doctors and district administration officials are continuously monitoring the situation at the hospitals and keeping a check that proper treatment is being ensured to the patients. I am going for the hearing of a case regarding this contaminated water issue and give further details later. Till now, as per records, four deaths occurred though we will revise and update if we received additional data and evidence in this regard,” Hasani told ANI.
Dozens of patients remain in intensive care units.
What Caused the Water Contamination?
Initial findings point to sewage mixing with drinking water pipelines. Tests detected bacteria commonly found in sewer water in multiple samples collected from Bhagirathpura and nearby areas.
Civic officials confirmed contamination in more than half of the samples tested so far. Authorities are still awaiting detailed lab reports to identify the exact pathogens.
Steps Taken on Ground
District officials launched door-to-door surveys to identify new cases. Teams distributed chlorine tablets and advised residents not to use tap water for drinking. Water tankers now supply potable water to affected localities.
Officials told residents to boil water before use and restrict tap water use to cleaning purposes only.
Political Reactions Intensify
The crisis triggered sharp reactions across the political spectrum. Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP-led state government of negligence, calling the incident a case of “poison being distributed” while the administration “slept like Kumbhakarna.”
Senior BJP leader Uma Bharti called the deaths a shame on governance. She rejected the ₹2 lakh ex-gratia and demanded the harshest punishment for those responsible, calling it a crucial test for Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
Congress leader Jitendra Patwari accused the government of corruption and poor coordination. BSP chief Mayawati expressed sorrow and said negligence in providing clean water proved fatal.
A Child’s Death Deepens Grief
The tragedy deepened after the death of a six-month-old child, Avyan Sahu. The infant reportedly fell ill after packaged milk was diluted with contaminated water.
The family refused government compensation, saying no amount of money can replace a child.
“Now the government should ensure that no mother is robbed of a child due to contaminated water,” a neighbour told PTI.
Residents Demand Accountability
Residents claim water contamination has caused repeated illnesses over the past year. Many allege that officials ignored earlier complaints, allowing the crisis to worsen.
As investigations continue, the Indore water crisis has become a stark reminder of how civic failures can quickly turn into life-threatening emergencies.
