A major public health crisis has unfolded in Indore, often hailed as India’s cleanest city, after contaminated drinking water in the Bagirathpura area led to multiple deaths and widespread illness. At least seven to nine people have died over the past week due to diarrhoea and vomiting, while nearly 150 residents have been hospitalised, triggering panic and anger among locals.

Sadhna, a resident of Indore’s Bhagirathpura, is shattered after losing her six-month-old baby to what the family alleges was contaminated drinking water. Speaking through tears, she said health complications had forced her to feed the infant packaged milk mixed with tap water, which she believes was polluted due to sewer leakage in the area.

“I have lost my child. I don’t know how many more children will suffer because of this dirty water,” she cried, adding that her 10-year-old daughter is now frequently complaining of stomach pain. As authorities probe the contamination that has sickened hundreds, Sadhna’s grief stands as a painful reminder of the human cost of civic negligence.

Conflicting Death Toll Figures Add to Confusion

Conflicting claims by authorities have added to the uncertainty surrounding the crisis. District Collector Shivam Verma said four deaths have been officially confirmed, with 149 patients admitted to hospitals. However, Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav stated that seven people have died and 116 are currently ill, with 36 patients discharged after treatment. Local residents, meanwhile, claim the death toll is higher.

On Wednesday, four more deaths were reported, including that of a five- to six-month-old infant, intensifying outrage in the affected neighbourhoods.

Illness Spreads Rapidly in Bagirathpura

The outbreak came to light late Monday night when Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya visited Verma Hospital and found more than 150 people suffering from symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting. Officials later confirmed that residents had been falling sick for nearly a week. The first reported death occurred on December 26.

Hospitals across the city have been overwhelmed, with patients admitted to Verma Hospital, ESIC Hospital, MY Hospital, Triveni Hospital and Arbind Hospital. A special 100-bed unit has been set up at Arbind Hospital, where several patients remain in the ICU.

Sewer Leak Suspected as Cause

Preliminary investigations suggest that drainage water entered the drinking water pipeline due to a leak found beneath a toilet near a police post in Bagirathpura. Officials believe this contamination triggered the outbreak. Residents also complained of foul-smelling and muddy water coming from the Narmada supply line.

On Thursday, Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of those who have died.

“The number of patients arriving has decreased since yesterday. Since last night, 60 patients have arrived… This is a settlement of economically weaker sections, so we have ensured that no one has to spend money on treatment,” he said.

Government Response and Action

The state government has ordered free treatment for all patients, with medical expenses to be borne entirely by the government. Door-to-door surveys have been conducted in over 2,700 homes, and more than 12,000 people have been examined. ASHA workers are distributing chlorine tablets, zinc and ORS, while ambulances and additional medical staff have been deployed.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced a compensation of ₹2 lakh each for the families of the deceased. Disciplinary action has also been taken against civic officials, including suspensions and termination of engineers, and a three-member inquiry committee has been formed.

Public Anger Grows

The crisis has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who accused the administration of hiding the real scale of the tragedy. The incident has raised serious questions about civic negligence and water safety in a city celebrated nationwide for cleanliness.

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