Indore: A suspected case of water contamination has led to a public health scare in Madhya Pradesh's commercial capital, with at least 32 residents falling ill in the Bhagirathpura locality. The city administration has swiftly responded by collecting drinking water samples for laboratory analysis, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
Outbreak and Official Response
The incident came to light as multiple residents from the Bhagirathpura area were admitted to various hospitals across Indore over the past few days, suffering from severe gastrointestinal distress. Dr. Madhav Prasad Hasani, the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of Indore district, stated that the patients reported symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, which they attributed to consuming contaminated water.
Taking immediate note of the situation, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav directed the Indore district administration to ensure all affected individuals receive timely and high-quality medical treatment. This directive holds particular significance for Indore, which consistently ranks as the country's cleanest city.
Source of Supply and Resident Allegations
Residents of the affected locality have pointed fingers at the municipal water supply, alleging they fell sick after drinking water that was sourced from the Narmada River and supplied through civic tap connections. Indore meets a significant portion of its water demand from the Narmada, with water being transported approximately 80 kilometers from Jalud in Khargone district via pipelines maintained by the municipal corporation.
Echoing the concerns, Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava acknowledged that water samples have been sent for testing. "We can comment on the matter only after the test reports arrive," he said, urging patience until the official results are out. The test reports are expected to be available within the next 48 hours, which will provide clarity on the nature and extent of the contamination.
Awaiting Clarity and Next Steps
The current focus of the health and civic authorities is twofold: providing continued care to those hospitalized and awaiting the conclusive laboratory findings. The episode has raised concerns about water safety protocols in the city, even as officials refrain from drawing definitive conclusions before the test results.
The administration's prompt action in collecting samples and the CM's intervention highlight the seriousness with which the potential public health issue is being treated. The next steps, including any corrective measures or public advisories, will likely be determined once the cause is officially confirmed by the pending water quality report.
