Indore is facing a major health emergency. Contaminated tap water has triggered a vomiting and diarrhoea outbreak in the city’s Bhagirathpura area. More than 1,400 people have fallen ill in just over a week. Hospitals are struggling to cope. Families fear using water even for daily needs.
At the centre of this crisis is the death of a six-month-old baby. His passing has turned a public health failure into a deeply personal tragedy for many residents.
Born After 10 Years, Gone in Six Months
Six-month-old Avyan died on December 29 after falling seriously ill. His family says he consumed milk prepared using municipal tap water. The infant had been born after a 10-year wait. His death has shocked the entire neighbourhood.
Avyan is the youngest reported victim of the outbreak so far. His family believes contaminated water caused his sudden illness.
Grandmother Rejects Compensation
The child’s grandmother, Krishna Sahu, said the family has refused to accept the compensation announced by the state government.
“We have not taken any compensation from the state government so far. Our child is gone. Will the compensation bring him back to life? Money is not greater than a child,” she said.
She recalled the long wait and prayers for the child’s birth.
“The entire family prayed for Avyan’s birth and made a sacred vow at Hussain Tekri Dargah. My prayers were answered, but I never imagined that the baby would leave us so soon,” she said, breaking down.
Healthy Baby Fell Sick Suddenly
Krishna Sahu said Avyan was healthy before the incident. He had gained weight and showed no signs of illness.
“He played in his mother’s lap. One day, he suddenly started suffering from diarrhoea and, on a doctor’s advice, we started medicines at home. His condition, however, worsened, and he was taken to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead,” she said.
Due to insufficient breast milk, the family fed the baby packaged milk and milk powder mixed with tap water. She alleged that the contaminated water proved fatal.
Residents Speak Out Amid Panic
Fear has spread across Bhagirathpura. Parents worry about their children’s safety. Many families have stopped using tap water entirely.
Neighbour Anita Sen expressed concern for her own children.
“I have a month-old girl, a four-year-old, and a 10-year-old in my house. Now the government should ensure that no mother is robbed of her child due to contaminated water,” she said.
Residents demand immediate action to prevent further deaths.
Illness Numbers Continue to Rise
Health officials say more than 1,400 people have been affected by vomiting and diarrhoea in the area over the last nine days. At least 272 patients have required hospital admission. Seventy-one have been discharged.
Thirty-two patients remain in intensive care units. Doctors say contaminated drinking water is the primary cause of the outbreak.
Conflicting Death Figures Raise Questions
Residents claim that 15 people have died due to the outbreak. The health department has confirmed only four deaths so far. The difference in numbers has raised concerns about transparency and reporting.
The state government has announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased.
Demand for Clean Water and Accountability
Authorities have started supplying alternate water in some areas. Officials have advised residents to boil water before use. Investigations are underway to identify the source of contamination.
Locals want long-term solutions. They are calling for pipeline repairs, regular water testing, and clear communication from officials.
A Community Waiting for Answers
The death of a six-month-old child has shaken Indore’s Bhagirathpura area. What began as a water supply failure has now become a question of public safety and accountability.
Residents say clean water is not a luxury. They say it is a basic right that must be protected—before more lives are lost.