A major public health crisis has unfolded in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore after contaminated drinking water led to the deaths of at least seven people and the hospitalisation of more than 100 residents, officials said. The incident was reported from the Bhagirathpura area, where people complained of foul-smelling and discoloured tap water before falling seriously ill.
Hospitals across Indore witnessed a sudden surge in patients suffering from severe diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain and dehydration, symptoms commonly linked to waterborne diseases. While many patients were treated and discharged after receiving fluids and medication, several remain under observation, and a few are in critical condition.
Preliminary investigations by the Indore Municipal Corporation suggest that sewage may have mixed with the drinking water supply due to a damaged pipeline. Officials indicated that an illegal toilet structure built over the main water line could have caused leakage, allowing contaminated water to enter the supply network. Water samples have been collected and sent for laboratory testing to confirm the exact cause.
Following the outbreak, civic authorities shut down the affected water supply line and arranged for tankers to supply clean drinking water to residents. Health teams have been deployed for door-to-door surveys to identify new cases early and provide basic treatment. Residents have been advised not to consume tap water until further notice and to use boiled or packaged water instead.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief over the deaths and announced ₹2 lakh compensation for the families of those who died. He also assured that all medical expenses of affected patients will be borne by the state government. The state administration has ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident.
As an immediate administrative action, a zonal officer and an assistant engineer of the municipal corporation have been suspended for alleged negligence. The opposition has criticised the civic body, accusing it of ignoring complaints about water quality raised by residents days before the tragedy.
The incident has raised serious questions about urban infrastructure safety and monitoring, especially as Indore has often been highlighted nationally for its cleanliness and civic management. Authorities have promised strict action against those found responsible and have said steps will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
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