Fresh Wave Of Water Contamination Hits Indore, Weeks After Deaths

At least 22 people have been hospitalised in a new outbreak of water contamination cases in Indore, just weeks after a major health crisis left at least 15 people dead and over 142 others ill due to polluted drinking water in the Bhagirathpura area.

The earlier contamination incident was triggered when sewage entered the municipal water supply, leading to widespread cases of diarrhoea and vomiting across the affected area.

Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava told Scroll that he had information about 10 deaths linked to the contamination, while local residents claimed the toll was as high as 16, including an infant.

During the initial outbreak, more than 142 people were hospitalised, with 11 admitted to intensive care units. Several patients suffered from severe dehydration and intestinal complications, The Hindu reported.

Chief Medical and Health Officer Madhav Prasad Hasani said the leakage appeared to have occurred after sewage entered a water pipeline located near a public toilet that lacked adequate protective measures, despite earlier concerns raised by the community.

In response to the crisis, Ujjain division Revenue Commissioner Ashish Singh suspended a sub-divisional magistrate on charges of negligence, indifference and irregularities in the discharge of official duties.