Indore: Residents of Bhagirathpura, one of Indore’s densely populated neighbourhoods, have been grappling with a serious public health crisis after their tap water was found to be heavily contaminated with multiple harmful microbes. Tests conducted more than a week after locals fell ill confirmed the presence of E. coli, Salmonella, Vibrio cholerae, as well as viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Health officials said these pathogens caused polymicrobial infections, leading to multi-organ failure and sepsis in affected individuals.

Local residents have alleged that at least 15 people died due to vomiting and diarrhoea linked to the contaminated drinking water over the past few days, though the city health department has so far confirmed only four deaths. Many residents blamed civic authorities for ignoring repeated complaints about foul-smelling water in the congested neighbourhood over several months.

Indore, often celebrated as India’s cleanest city under the central government’s Swachh Survekshan survey—including the 2024-25 rankings—now faces scrutiny for failing to prevent the crisis despite its reputation.

Causes of the Contamination

Investigations have identified multiple sources of contamination. A key factor was raw sewage leaking from a toilet at the Bhagirathpura police outpost, which reportedly lacked a functional septic tank. Authorities also discovered multiple breaches in a 30-year-old water pipeline, through which untreated human waste entered the drinking water supply serving nearly 50,000 residents.

Health officials are concerned that the delayed detection and testing of the water contributed to the severity of the outbreak, as polymicrobial infections require rapid pathogen identification to provide targeted treatment. Samples have now been sent for chemical testing to determine the presence of any additional toxic substances.

Official Response

In response to public outrage and criticism from opposition parties, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav ordered strict action against erring civic officials. In a statement posted on X, he directed the Indore Municipal Corporation Commissioner and Additional Commissioner to issue a show-cause notice and to remove the Additional Commissioner immediately. He also instructed that the Superintending Engineer in charge of the Water Distribution Works Department be relieved of their duties and that necessary positions in the municipal corporation be promptly filled.

Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of Indore, Madhav Prasad Hasani, stated that senior doctors and district administration officials were continuously monitoring the hospitals to ensure that affected patients received proper treatment. He clarified that while four deaths have been confirmed based on current records, this number may be revised if additional evidence emerges.

Public Health Concerns

Medical experts have emphasised that the delay in testing and identifying the pathogens likely worsened the outcomes for affected patients. Rapid intervention is critical in cases of polymicrobial infections, as untreated exposure can quickly escalate to sepsis and multi-organ failure. Residents of Bhagirathpura have called for immediate accountability and stricter oversight of water distribution and sewage management in the city to prevent such crises in the future.

The Indore water contamination episode has sparked nationwide concern, highlighting that even cities celebrated for cleanliness can face severe public health challenges if infrastructure maintenance and civic accountability are neglected. Authorities have promised corrective action, but residents continue to demand swift measures to restore safe drinking water and prevent further casualties.