INDORE is grappling with a deadly public health emergency as contaminated drinking water in the Bhagirathpura area has left more than hundreds seriously ill and claimed seven lives, Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava confirmed on Wednesday amid conflicting claims over the number of fatalities. “The Health Department has reported three deaths due to the diarrhoea outbreak in the Bhagirathpura area.

 

But to my knowledge, four more people suffering from the disease were brought to hospitals and they too died,” he told reporters. Bhargava said that a preliminary assessment suggested that drainage water entered the drinking water pipeline due to leakage, which triggered an outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting in the falling ill due to consumption of contaminated water in the Bhagirathpura area.

 

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief over the incident and announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased, besides saying the Government would bear the entire cost of treatment of all patients. Earlier, residents reported vomiting, diarrhoea, and severe dehydration, prompting a surge in hospital admissions.

 

Preliminary investigations suggest a pipeline leak may have allowed sewage to mix with the water supply, sparking widespread alarm over the city’s sanitation and safety standards. Hospitals are stretched to capacity, and citizens are demanding immediate action as authorities scramble to contain the outbreak and assess its full impact.

 

A committee of senior officials formed to investigate: While addressing the health emergency, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav described the incident as ‘extremely tragic’ and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. The Chief Minister has ordered strict monitoring of the water supply system and immediate corrective measures to prevent further casualties.

 

The zonal officer, assistant engineer, and in-charge assistant engineer of Zone 4 under the Public Health Engineering Department were suspended, while the chief in-charge engineer was dismissed. A committee of senior officials has been formed to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and identify those responsible for negligence.

 

District Collector Shivam Verma confirmed that the administration is maintaining continuous oversight, with the Health Department reviewing treatment protocols and patient care. Opposition leaders have condemned the tragedy as a result of Government’s negligence. Congress leader Umang Singhar described the incident as “not a natural disaster but a failure of administration,” noting that thousands fell ill and eight lives were lost due to water.

 

Singhar has written to the Chief Minister demanding a high level investigation, strict action against responsible officials, and proper compensation for affected families. He criticised the government’s inaction despite repeated complaints from residents over the past two months.

 

Senior Congress leader Jitu Patwari called the deaths “a horrific outcome of BJP government’s insensitivity,” highlighting that over 150 people were hospitalised and four citizens died. Visiting Vermas Hospital in Indore, Patwari described the scene as one of fear and despair, urging the government to ensure prompt treatment, fair compensation, and accountability for negligence. Both leaders emphasised that affected families and patients deserve justice and transparent handling of the crisis.