A severe water contamination crisis has gripped the Bhagirathpura area of Indore, resulting in six fatalities and leaving 149 people hospitalised, according to District Collector Shivam Verma. The incident has triggered widespread panic and criticism, with residents pointing fingers at a police outpost toilet constructed without a proper septic tank.
Outbreak Details and Official Response
District Collector Shivam Verma informed news agency PTI that a rapid survey of nearly 5,000 houses has been completed in the aftermath of the outbreak. As an immediate preventive measure, chlorine dosing has been carried out in all borewells in the affected zone. Verma provided a breakdown of the cases, stating, "Of the 65 people showing symptoms, 15 were sent to hospital. Currently, 149 are hospitalised, and 205 have recovered and returned home."
Authorities have collected water and soil samples from the area, and further action is pending the laboratory analysis reports. In response to the crisis, Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav announced a city-wide water supply survey to be conducted over the next seven days. He assured that complaints regarding leaks would be addressed within 48 hours and instructed officials to conduct zone-wise and ward-wise inspections.
Source of Contamination and Public Anger
The contamination is suspected to have originated from a police outpost toilet in Bhagirathpura. Residents and former IMC commissioner Dileep Yadav allege that the toilet was built without a proper septic tank. The waste line reportedly drained directly into a pit located above the drinking water pipeline, allowing sewage to seep into the water supply.
"So many of us lost our lives because there was negligence in constructing a police toilet. This is shocking. A case should be registered, and someone must be held accountable," said local resident Ashok Pathi. Another resident, Ramesh Verma, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the fear and betrayal felt by the community. The toilet was demolished after the seepage point was identified, and additional leak points were traced.
Investigation and Demands for Accountability
Banganga police stated that the outpost was built in 2003 on public garden land with local contributions, following a rise in local crime. DCP Rajesh Vyas confirmed that a record of deaths has been created and an investigation is underway. "Currently, it is suspected that seepage from the outpost bathroom caused the contamination. Once established, strict action will be taken against those responsible," Vyas said.
Forensic samples have been sent to MGM Medical College for testing. Residents are demanding that a case of culpable homicide be filed against the negligent contractor and are calling for long-term measures to secure the drinking water system. The crisis has severely shaken public trust in the municipal water supply, with many families now relying on purchased packaged water.
Jyoti Ravi Kumar shared her personal tragedy, alleging her 74-year-old mother, Manjula Vadh, died after consuming the contaminated water. "I consider this water contamination caused my loss," she said, adding that her family no longer trusts the municipal tanker water.
