Indore: A high-level inquiry into a deadly water contamination crisis in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area has confirmed the worst fears of health officials: drinking water samples contain bacteria “generally found in sewer water,” including human waste.
The findings, released on Thursday, come as the death toll continues to climb. While official figures were initially placed at four, Additional Chief Secretary Sanjay Dubey, head of the probe committee, confirmed that nine deaths in the area have now been directly linked to the diarrhoea outbreak. Local residents and some officials suggest the total number of fatalities in the vicinity may be as high as 14, including a six-month-old infant.
A “Lethal Mix” of Infrastructure Lapses
Investigators have traced the source of the contamination to a major leakage in a primary Narmada water pipeline. Shockingly, the probe revealed that a public toilet had been constructed directly over the main supply line near a police outpost.
Without a mandatory safety tank, sewage from the toilet seeped into the potable water network through a corroded section of the pipe. Residents had reportedly complained of “bitter” and foul-smelling water since December 25, but significant action was only taken after victims began flooding local hospitals with severe vomiting and dehydration.
Massive Public Health Emergency
The scale of the crisis has stretched Indore’s medical infrastructure to its limit.
- Total Screened: Over 48,000 residents.
- Symptomatic: Approximately 2,800 people treated for vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Hospitalized: 272 patients admitted to 27 hospitals; 32 remain in intensive care.
Accountability and Action
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has ordered the dismissal of an in-charge sub-engineer and the suspension of a zonal officer and an assistant engineer for “fatal negligence.” The state has announced ₹2 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased and free medical treatment for all affected.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the tragedy, issuing a notice to the Madhya Pradesh government for a “gross violation of human rights.”
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