INDORE is grappling with a severe water crisis, with multiple areas receiving unsafe, contaminated water. Madhya Pradesh Assembly Leader of Opposition, Umang Singhar, conducted a detailed on-the-ground water audit, personally collecting samples from several neighborhoods. His findings revealed alarming contamination, raising concerns over public health and administrative negligence.

 

This comes in the wake of 20 deaths in Bagirathpura due to polluted water, yet authorities and the municipal corporation continue to shift responsibility. In Madina Nagar, a predominantly Muslim area, residents reported being charged 7,000–8,000 rupees for new water connections, with annual bills ranging from 2,000–3,000 rupees. Despite these payments, water supply remained dirty and unsafe.

 

Singhar highlighted the absence of municipal officials and the mayor in addressing complaints, sarcastically pointing out that the mayor seems focused only on a small stretch of the city while neglecting the rest. In Khajrana, the situation was equally concerning. Narmada water, the city’s primary source, was found to be foul-smelling and heavily polluted, making it completely unfit for drinking. Singhar warned that if left unchecked, more areas could face tragedies similar to Bagirathpura.

 

During inspections in Bhuri Tekri, water samples collected on-site were found to be highly contaminated and hazardous to health. Residents reported stagnant sewage, waterlogging, and frequent illnesses, with no permanent solutions provided despite repeated complaints. Even politically significant areas like Indore Assembly–2, which has been represented by senior BJP leaders and ministers, showed pipelines running next to open drains— a stark example of administrative apathy.

 

Contaminated water was also reported in Barfani Dham and Kanadia, proving that the crisis is not limited to isolated pockets but is widespread across the city. Singhar emphasized that it is unacceptable for a city once hailed as one of India’s cleanest to face such public health risks. He directly questioned the state government and municipal authorities about accountability and demanded immediate remedial action. He urged citizens to collect water samples from their neighborhoods and report contamination, warning that failure by the government would leave the opposition no choice but to launch a public movement to protect residents’ lives.