Indore water contamination: Death toll rises to 8, several hospitalised

Indore: The death toll in the suspected water contamination incident in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore has risen to eight, after several residents fell ill over the past few days, allegedly due to drinking contaminated water in the Bhagirathpura area.

Taking cognisance of the incident, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav ordered disciplinary action against three officials late on Tuesday night. Zonal officer Saligram Sitole and assistant engineer Yogesh Joshi of the Indore Municipal Corporation were suspended, while public health engineering (PHE) superintendent engineer Shubham Srivastava was removed from service with immediate effect.

Describing the incident as tragic, the Chief Minister said strict action had been initiated against those found responsible. He earlier expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to those undergoing treatment. An ex gratia of ₹2 lakh has been announced for the families of those who died, and the State government has assured that all medical expenses of the affected persons will be borne, including reimbursement of amounts already paid.

Officials said three people had died while undergoing treatment in various hospitals till Tuesday, with the toll rising to eight by Wednesday. Several others continue to receive treatment in hospitals across the city. Local MLA and Cabinet Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya visited hospitals late on Monday night, met affected families and reiterated that treatment would be provided free of cost.

The incident came to light after residents complained of an unusual taste and smell in the municipal water supply on December 25, triggering serious concerns over drinking water safety in the city.

Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari, who visited hospitals on Tuesday evening, blamed the Indore Municipal Commissioner for the incident and demanded strict action. He said the district Congress unit would lodge an FIR against the Indore Municipal Corporation and Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava later in the day.

“This is a complete failure of the Municipal Corporation. Even if drainage water mixes with drinking water, it usually causes vomiting, diarrhoea or jaundice, but not deaths. This suggests that some poisonous substance may have entered the water supply, which requires a thorough investigation,” Patwari said.
(With IANS inputs)