INDORE: An investigation into the water pollution incident in Bhagirathpura, Indore, has revealed serious flaws in the city’s water supply system. The death toll reached seven on Wednesday and 162 patients were being treated in 27 government and private hospitals.Indore gets its water through pipelines from the Narmada river, which originates from Jalud in Khargone district, about 80 km away. Important errors:
- Leak in the main water pipe: The main pipe supplying Bhagirathpura had a loose connection, resulting in possible contamination.
- Toilet built above the pipe: A newly built toilet dumped waste directly into a pit above the water supply line.
- Improper waste disposal: The toilet pit lacked a proper septic tank, potentially allowing wastewater to mix with drinking water.
- Contamination on the main line before the branch: The contamination occurred near the main line and affected a larger area before the water distribution was branched.
- Delayed detection: The disease spread widely before authorities identified the contamination point near the Bhagirathpura police check post.
Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) Commissioner Dilip Kumar Yadav said a leak was detected in the main water supply pipeline in Bhagirathpura, over which a toilet was constructed, leading to possible contamination of drinking water.Dileep said: “We found that the disease had spread throughout the area and hence suspected that the contamination was near the main pipeline before it branched out. The contamination point was identified near Bhagirathpura police check post where a newly constructed toilet was dumping waste into a pit instead of a proper septic tank. The pit was located directly above the water supply line, which had a connection. We discovered that the connection was also loose. It’s been repaired.”The IMC is now flushing the water pipe and advising residents not to use the water until Friday. Around 60-70 water tankers have been deployed to supply drinking water in the region. In addition, ASHA workers are conducting door-to-door surveys to monitor new cases.However, there is still uncertainty about the exact number of deaths. While city mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava said seven people had died, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, at a press conference after visiting patients in several hospitals, put the number at four. “Currently, the number of registered deaths is four. The patients have been admitted to various hospitals. The government has a record keeping system. We have started an investigation and the final figure would be clear once the report is submitted,” the CM said. He added, “But why should any person die? The episode has left us hurt and sad.” Yadav visited Verma Hospital, Beema Hospital, DNS, MY Hospital and Shalby Hospital during his tour.The health department has officially reported three deaths, but Mayor Bhargava said, “According to my information, seven persons have died due to illness in Bhagirathpura area.” Verma Hospital officials confirmed that 162 patients are currently admitted across 27 hospitals.The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, hearing a public interest litigation filed by Indore High Court Bar Association President Ritesh Inani, directed the local municipality and the state government to ensure immediate supply of clean drinking water. The court also ordered free treatment for residents suffering from vomiting and diarrhea and ordered both agencies to submit a detailed status report by Jan. 2 that included the number of affected residents, hospitalizations and medical care provided.The incident highlights serious failings in sanitation and water safety management. Both city and state authorities are under scrutiny as families demand accountability for preventable deaths caused by contaminated water.
