Indore, Madhya Pradesh – January 2, 2026 – At least 10 people have died and more than 150 others have been hospitalised after consuming contaminated drinking water in Bhagirathpura, one of Indore’s residential localities. Initial findings from an inquiry into the incident indicate that the water supply was contaminated with bacteria “generally found in sewer water”, raising serious questions about public health safety and municipal oversight.

The outbreak came to light earlier this week after residents began reporting severe vomiting and diarrhoea. Local authorities had been alerted about unusual water quality days before the incident escalated but reportedly failed to act promptly. Residents first noticed an unusual smell in the water on December 25, 2025, which had been an ongoing issue for several weeks.

Contaminated Water: What the Tests Show

Officials familiar with the investigation told Hindustan Times that preliminary analysis of water samples collected from the area confirmed the presence of abnormal bacteria associated with human waste, commonly found in sewage systems.

Dr. Arvind Ghanghoria, dean of Mahatma Gandhi Medical College, Indore, explained, “The initial report has confirmed the presence of abnormal bacteria generally found in sewer water, comprising human waste. However, we are yet to identify the exact type of bacteria, as the culture report is awaited. Stool test reports of affected patients are also pending, which will further clarify the pathogens responsible.”

Earlier reports suggested that a leak in the main water supply pipeline, running beneath a toilet, could have allowed sewage to mix with drinking water, exacerbating the outbreak. While these findings remain preliminary, they point to a life-threatening failure in the city’s water distribution system, which has long been ranked as one of India’s cleanest cities.

Human Impact

The human toll has been severe. Among the victims was a local labourer whose family recounted that he “kept vomiting” shortly after returning home from work and died before reaching the hospital. Authorities have confirmed that more than 2,400 residents have reported symptoms, with 162 admitted to hospitals as of Thursday.

In response to the tragedy, the Madhya Pradesh government has announced ₹2 lakh in financial aid for each deceased victim and assured free treatment for all affected individuals. Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla said that the government is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to providing proper medical care.

National and Judicial Attention

The incident has drawn attention from both judicial authorities and national human rights bodies. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the issue and issued a notice to the Madhya Pradesh government, demanding a detailed report within two weeks. The rights body noted that residents had reportedly complained about contaminated water for days, but no corrective action had been taken.

The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has also directed the state government to submit a report detailing the incident, including the number of affected residents and the steps taken to mitigate the crisis.

Government Response and Emergency Measures

The Madhya Pradesh administration has initiated emergency measures to prevent further cases. Local authorities have been instructed to ensure safe water supply, step up sanitation monitoring, and address any leaks or contamination sources immediately.

A three-member inquiry committee, headed by IAS officer Navjeevan Panwar, has been formed to investigate the incident comprehensively. The committee’s mandate includes identifying the cause of contamination, assessing negligence, and recommending measures to prevent future outbreaks.

Public Concern and Accountability

Residents of Bhagirathpura and surrounding areas have expressed outrage over what they perceive as delayed action by authorities. “The problems were going on for weeks, but nothing was done until people started falling seriously ill,” said a local resident.

Experts warn that the presence of sewer-borne bacteria in drinking water poses a serious public health risk, particularly in densely populated areas. Contaminated water can transmit diseases such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and other gastrointestinal infections, potentially affecting thousands if corrective measures are not implemented swiftly.

The Bigger Picture

Indore has been recognised as one of India’s cleanest cities for eight consecutive years, making this incident particularly alarming. Municipal authorities are facing criticism over infrastructure oversight, pipeline maintenance, and monitoring of water quality.

The crisis has highlighted systemic vulnerabilities in urban water supply systems, including inadequate inspection of pipelines, poor integration of sewage and potable water networks, and delayed response to public complaints.

Moving Forward

Officials have assured that further testing and monitoring of water quality are underway, and additional medical facilities have been mobilised to manage the outbreak. Meanwhile, public awareness campaigns are being conducted to advise residents on boiling water before consumption and maintaining hygiene.

The Madhya Pradesh government has vowed to thoroughly investigate the leak, determine accountability, and take steps to modernise the city’s water infrastructure, ensuring safe drinking water for all residents.

As of Friday, emergency response teams continue to monitor the situation closely, and authorities have asked residents to report any unusual water discoloration, odor, or health symptoms immediately.

The Indore water contamination tragedy underscores the urgent need for robust urban water management, timely reporting systems, and swift governmental action to prevent such avoidable public health crises in the future.