7 dead, 149 hospitalised due to contaminated water: What is happening in Indore?

Seven people have died and nearly 150 others have been hospitalised over the past few days after consuming contaminated drinking water in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore, prompting the state government to step up emergency measures amid growing criticism.

Authorities have taken action against officials linked to the incident, suspending two and dismissing one, while an investigation is underway.

What happened?

Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava told PTI that seven deaths have been reported since December due to illnesses caused by contaminated water. While the health department has officially confirmed three deaths, four other patients admitted to hospitals with similar symptoms later died.

District Magistrate Shivam Verma said doctors have confirmed four deaths directly linked to the outbreak and that 149 people have been admitted across 27 hospitals in the city.

Cause of contamination

Chief Medical and Health Officer Madhav Prasad Hasani said the deaths were caused by acute diarrhoea. Patients reported symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration after drinking contaminated water.

Officials traced the contamination to a leak in the main water supply pipeline in the Bhagirthpura area, where a toilet had been constructed above the line. The leakage is believed to have allowed sewage to mix with drinking water.

Residents had first complained of a foul smell in the water on December 25, local councillor Kamal Baghela said, though problems had reportedly begun earlier.

Action against officials

Zonal officer Shaligram Shitole and in-charge assistant engineer Yogesh Joshi have been suspended, while deputy engineer Shubham Srivastava has been dismissed in connection with the case.

The health department has surveyed 2,703 households and examined around 12,000 people following reports of the outbreak.

A three-member inquiry committee headed by IAS officer Navjeevan Panwar has been formed to investigate the incident.

‘Emergency-like situation’

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited hospitals in Indore on Wednesday to review the situation, calling it an “emergency-like” scenario. He said the government was coordinating efforts to ensure timely treatment and warned of strict action against those responsible.

The chief minister has announced a compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased.

Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the state government to provide free treatment to those affected and asked for a status report by January 2 while hearing a public interest litigation related to the case.