Indore water contamination crisis: 6 dead, 149 hospitalized amid safety fears; city survey underway – top developments

INDORE: Indore is reeling from a severe water contamination crisis in the Bhagirathpura area that has claimed 6 lives and left 149 people hospitalised, Indore collector said to news agency PTI. Residents have been urged to consume only boiled water amid growing fears about the safety of tanker water supplied by the municipal corporation. District collector Shivam Verma told that a survey of nearly 5,000 houses has been completed and chlorine dosing has been done in all borewells following the crisis. “Of the 65 people showing symptoms, 15 were sent to hospital. Currently, 149 are hospitalised, and 205 have recovered and returned home,” he said. Verma added that water and soil samples have been collected, and further action will be taken once the laboratory reports are received.The crisis has sparked widespread criticism, with residents blaming the police outpost toilet in Bhagirathpura, which was reportedly constructed without a proper septic tank. The waste line allegedly drained directly into a pit located above the drinking water pipeline, allowing sewage to seep into the water supply. Locals have demanded that a case of culpable homicide be filed against the contractor responsible for the negligence.“So many of us lost our lives because there was negligence in constructing a police toilet. This is shocking. A case should be registered, and someone must be held accountable,” said Ashok Pathi, a local resident. Ramesh Verma, another Bhagirathpura resident, said, “A lot of families here are living in fear because what we trusted as safe drinking water turned fatal. Those responsible must be punished.”Former IMC commissioner Dileep Yadav said the seepage was first detected behind the police outpost, identified as a major contamination point. Additional leak points were later traced, and the toilet was demolished soon after. Authorities are now investigating how the construction was allowed without proper safeguards and whether oversight lapses occurred. Forensic experts confirmed that samples collected were sent to MGM Medical College for testing.Banganga police said the outpost was built in 2003 on public garden land with local contributions, following an increase in crime incidents in the area. Soil and water samples from the suspected contamination site were collected as part of the investigation into the crisis. DCP Rajesh Vyas said, “A record of deaths has been created, and police are conducting an investigation. Currently, it is suspected that seepage from the outpost bathroom caused the contamination. Once established, strict action will be taken against those responsible.”Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav announced a city-wide water supply survey to be conducted over the next seven days. He said complaints regarding leaks will be addressed within 48 hours. “The team is continuously working in Bhagirathpura to ensure people receive clean water. The entire IMC staff is working among residents, and any complaints or requests are being addressed immediately. Under the Chief Minister’s direction, the survey will be conducted throughout Indore over the next seven days,” Bhargav told news agency ANI.He added that officials have been instructed to conduct zone-wise and ward-wise surveys and resolve complaints quickly. “If cleaning of water tanks or overhead tanks is required, it should be carried out without delay,” he said.Several residents have expressed distrust in the tanker water provided by the municipal corporation and continue to purchase packaged drinking water. Jyoti Ravi Kumar shared her personal tragedy, saying her 74-year-old mother Manjula Vadh died after consuming contaminated water. “I had come to see my mother and other family members. When I was leaving, she packed a tiffin for me. Later that night, I received a call about her illness. She was taken to MY Hospital, where her ECG was done twice. Later, the doctors declared her dead. I consider this water contamination caused my loss. Councillor and Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya visited and handed over a Rs 2 lakh check. Currently, we are purchasing water from outside as we don’t trust the tanker water,” she said.Authorities have been urged to ensure accountability and implement long-term measures to secure the drinking water system. Residents continue to demand that those responsible for the negligence that caused the crisis be held accountable, warning that trust in municipal water supplies has been severely shaken.(With agency inputs)