Water Crisis in Indore Claims Up to 16 Lives: Here’s What We Know

The contamination of tap water in Bhagirathpura area of Indore has triggered a major health crisis, leaving dozens ill and several dead after consuming polluted drinking water. Sewage reportedly entered the municipal water supply, leading to cases of diarrhoea and vomiting.

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.

More than 142 people have been hospitalised, with 11 admitted to intensive care units. Several patients are suffering from severe dehydration and intestinal complications, reported by The Hindu.

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.

Residents are now scrambling for safe drinking water, relying on bottled supplies and installing reverse osmosis purifiers as authorities conduct surveys in the affected area.

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

The Congress has accused the BJP government of inhumanity and authoritarianism after Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya used the term “ghanta” on camera while responding to the water contamination crisis.