An outbreak of illness linked to suspected contaminated drinking water has struck the Bhagirathpura area in Indore, India’s cleanest city for eight consecutive years. More than 60 individuals have been hospitalized in the past week due to severe symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain after consuming tap water from the Narmada River. Unfortunately, a 70-year-old man passed away at a private hospital following gastric complaints, with family members attributing his declining health to the tainted water.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav expressed deep sorrow over the incident on social media, offering condolences to the deceased and speedy recovery wishes to the patients. He announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the bereaved family and assured that the state government would cover all medical expenses for the affected individuals. Local MLA and Cabinet Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya visited hospitals to support affected families and reaffirm the commitment to providing free treatment.
Initial investigations suggest that a possible pipeline leakage during nearby excavation or contamination in overhead tanks may be responsible for the crisis. Residents have expressed frustration, stating that they had alerted authorities about foul-smelling and discolored water, but no prompt action was taken. In response, the opposition Congress staged protests outside the ward office, accusing the municipal corporation of negligence.
Indore Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dilip Kumar Yadav inspected the area and held an urgent review with Public Health Engineering officials. Water samples have been sent for laboratory analysis, and supply lines are being flushed and disinfected. Hospitals are on high alert, with approximately 60 admissions reported across facilities, and door-to-door health checks are ongoing to monitor the situation.
The incident underscores concerns about water safety infrastructure in a city known for its cleanliness, emphasizing the importance of vigilant maintenance to avert such public health crises.
