Indore | January 2, 2026

The ongoing water contamination crisis in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area of Madhya Pradesh has so far claimed the lives of 10 people and left more than 150 hospitalised with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea. Among the victims was a local labourer, whose brother, Anil Likhar, recounted the final, distressing moments before his death.

Family Recounts Tragic Events

Anil Likhar described how his sibling fell ill soon after returning home from work. “On Sunday, he returned home from work and kept vomiting. On Wednesday evening, I went to my shop and received a call saying he was not well. We rushed him to the hospital, but the doctor said he had died on the way,” Likhar said, recalling the harrowing incident.

The family’s account paints a grim picture of the rapid onset of illness that affected many residents in the area, highlighting the urgency of the public health response.

Laboratory Confirmation

A laboratory test has now confirmed that the diarrhoea outbreak was caused by contaminated drinking water, raising questions about the safety of the water supply system in parts of Indore. The commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh has been ranked India’s cleanest city for eight consecutive years, making this incident particularly alarming.

Officials noted that initial findings from the inquiry indicated the presence of bacteria commonly found in sewage in the water samples collected from the affected area. Investigators have traced the contamination to a leak in the main drinking water supply line, located beneath a toilet in Bhagirathpura, which may have allowed sewage to mix with the potable water.

Government Response

The Madhya Pradesh government has ramped up emergency measures following the outbreak and deaths. Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla stated that the administration is closely monitoring the situation and ensuring that affected individuals receive proper medical care. “The government will ensure the best possible treatment for all affected people. The reasons behind the water contamination will be thoroughly investigated,” he said. The chief minister has been personally meeting patients and their families and remains in constant contact with doctors treating the affected.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has also intervened, directing the state government to provide free treatment to anyone exhibiting similar symptoms after consuming contaminated water.

A three-member inquiry committee, led by IAS officer Navjeevan Panwar, has been formed to investigate the causes of the contamination in detail, including whether lapses in infrastructure maintenance or municipal oversight contributed to the leak.

Broader Concerns

Chief Medical and Health Officer Madhav Prasad Hasani earlier confirmed that diarrhoea was the primary cause of deaths linked to the outbreak. He noted that the contaminated water highlights the risk posed by life-threatening drinking water supply systems, even in cities renowned for cleanliness.

The outbreak has also triggered public criticism of local authorities for failing to prevent contamination in a supposedly well-managed water network. Residents have expressed shock and dismay that sewage could mix with drinking water in a city that has consistently received accolades for sanitation.

Officials from the health and municipal departments, along with emergency response teams, continue to monitor water quality and public health across Indore to prevent further casualties. Meanwhile, the inquiry seeks to determine the full extent of the contamination and implement measures to prevent recurrence.

Key Updates

• Laboratory tests confirmed that contaminated drinking water caused the diarrhoea outbreak.
• Over 150 people have been hospitalised, and 10 deaths have been officially reported. Local residents claim up to 14 fatalities.
• The High Court has mandated free treatment for affected individuals.
• The contamination appears linked to a pipeline leak beneath a toilet, allowing sewage to enter the water supply.
• A three-member inquiry committee has been constituted to investigate the incident.

The incident has sparked renewed attention on urban water safety, even in cities previously celebrated for cleanliness, underscoring the importance of infrastructure vigilance and timely intervention to prevent public health disasters.