Indore, Jan 5, 2026: The diarrhoea outbreak in Bhagirathpura, Indore, caused by contaminated drinking water, has led to 142 patients currently hospitalised, including 11 in ICUs, while 20 new cases were detected during ongoing health surveys.

Key Facts

• Total people examined: 9,416 from 2,354 households.
• Deaths reported: 6 confirmed; local claims suggest up to 16 deaths, including a six-month-old child.
• Hospitalisations so far: 398, with 256 discharged.
• Cause: Contaminated municipal water, reportedly due to sewage overflow mixing with water mains.

Government & Expert Response

• NIRBI team from Kolkata is on the ground providing technical support to contain the outbreak.
• Officials stated that the situation is under control, but health teams continue surveillance and treatment.

Political Reactions

• Congress protests demanding resignation of Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, citing his controversial “ghanta” remark about the crisis.
• State Congress president Jitu Patwari demanded a judicial probe and alleged eight months of ignored complaints by residents.
• A sub-divisional magistrate in Dewas was suspended for incorporating Congress’s memorandum verbatim in an official order.

Observations from Experts

• Rajendra Singh, Magsaysay Award-winning water conservationist, called it a “system-created disaster,” blaming corruption and poor planning in Indore’s water supply.
• Singh highlighted unsafe proximity of drinking water pipelines and drainage lines as a recurring problem.

Context

• Indore, often ranked India’s cleanest city, now faces scrutiny over public water safety and urban infrastructure.
• Citizens are reportedly receiving contaminated water from both tap connections and municipal tankers, intensifying public concern.

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