Indore, Jan 9, 2026: Despite repeated government assurances and measures aimed at curbing the ongoing water-borne disease outbreak in Bhagirathpura, Indore, six more residents were hospitalised on Thursday with diarrhoea and vomiting, raising concerns over the effectiveness of containment and sanitation efforts.

Current Situation

According to Indore Chief Medical Health Officer, Madhav Prasad Hasnani, a total of 23 patients suffering from diarrhoea visited the outpatient departments of three local hospitals on Thursday, of whom six were admitted due to severe symptoms. The fresh hospitalisations indicate that the disease continues to affect residents despite claims by authorities that the outbreak is under control.

Since the initial outbreak in December 2025, over 1,500 people have reportedly been infected by water-borne diseases in Bhagirathpura. Among these, 446 patients required hospitalisation, and 10 deaths have been confirmed. The Madhya Pradesh government has provided ₹2 lakh compensation to the families of 18 deceased individuals, reflecting the severity of the crisis.

Investigations and Water Contamination

Indore Collector Shivam Verma stated that initial water samples collected on December 29 and 30 did not contain chemical contaminants. However, laboratory analysis later confirmed the presence of bacterial pathogens, including E. coli, Salmonella, and Vibrio cholerae, as the main agents responsible for the ongoing outbreak. Officials noted that these pathogens can cause a range of gastrointestinal diseases, including diarrhoea, vomiting, multi-organ failure, and sepsis.

Investigations have pointed to tap water contaminated by sewage as the primary source of infection. Despite repeated complaints from residents over the past six months, authorities reportedly failed to act promptly, allowing the contamination to persist. The situation escalated into a public health emergency after the deaths of three residents on December 29, 2025, drawing nationwide attention.

Government Response

Following the outbreak, the Madhya Pradesh administration implemented several containment measures:

• Declaring a water-borne disease outbreak in Bhagirathpura.
• Banning street vendors from selling food in the affected areas.
• Advising residents not to consume water from the Narmada pipeline, identified as the contaminated supply source, until it was flushed and disinfected.
• Testing of borewells and other water sources, which confirmed that over 50% of ground water samples in Bhagirathpura were contaminated with pathogens.

Despite these steps, the new hospitalisations have raised questions about the pace and efficacy of government intervention.

Reasons for Recurring Infections

Hasnani explained that many of the recent cases are re-infections, as patients did not complete the prescribed course of medication, leading to recurring symptoms. This indicates a need for stricter follow-up with affected individuals, proper awareness campaigns on treatment adherence, and ensuring that the water supply is fully disinfected before resumption of normal use.

Public Health Concerns

The outbreak has highlighted systemic deficiencies in water and sanitation infrastructure, particularly in areas like Bhagirathpura, where water pipelines and sewage lines are in close proximity, increasing the risk of contamination. Experts warn that repeated exposure to contaminated water could lead to further outbreaks unless comprehensive remedial measures are taken.

The Indore case underscores the critical importance of timely response to water-borne disease outbreaks, regular testing of municipal water supplies, and infrastructure upgrades to prevent sewage contamination. Public health officials are now focusing on strengthening water purification, monitoring hospital admissions, and educating residents about hygiene and medication adherence to curb the outbreak.

As of Thursday, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, while hospitals are on high alert to handle new admissions. Residents remain advised to boil water before consumption and avoid local water sources until further notice.