Indore Water Tragedy Victims Demand Clean Water, Not Just Compensation
Families in Bhagirathpura, Indore, who lost loved ones in a recent water contamination tragedy, have collectively raised a strong demand for safe drinking water. They stress that basic infrastructure matters more to them than financial assistance. During his visit to the affected area, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met several grieving families. They shared their harrowing experiences with him.
Families Share Their Painful Stories
Shanu Prajapat lost her mother-in-law, Seema Prajapat, after she consumed contaminated water. The family received a government compensation cheque of Rs 2 lakh. However, their primary concern remains unresolved. "We told Rahul Gandhi that we simply want clean drinking water so no one else has to suffer like our family did," Shanu said.
Anand Barede echoed similar sentiments. He lost his father, Jeevanlal, on December 28. "We informed Rahul Gandhi about the persisting water problems in this locality. He assured us that he would raise his voice to ensure a supply of clean water and prevent further deaths," Anand shared.
Mixed Responses to State Aid
While some families received state aid, others alleged neglect. Bihari Kori lost his wife, Uma, on December 29. He confirmed receiving Rs 2 lakh from the local administration and an additional Rs 1 lakh from the Congress party. He also received an approval letter from Umang Singhar for a further Rs 50,000. "My wife died on December 29. We urged Rahul Gandhi to raise our voice to restore the clean drinking water arrangements in Bhagirathpura," Bihari said.
In contrast, the family of Shakun Bai Kardam, who died on December 24, claimed they were completely ignored by the government. Her son, Shubham, and his wife described how severely she suffered from diarrhoea. "My mother suffered so severely from diarrhoea that we had to change 10 nappies a day before she was declared brought dead at MY Hospital," they said. They alleged that no government official approached them so far. The Rs 1 lakh provided by Rahul Gandhi was the first and only assistance they received.
Rapid Impact of the Infection
Kishore Drupkar lost his mother, Geetabai, on January 2. He described how rapidly the infection took her life. "In just 1 day, she was so exhausted from vomiting and diarrhoea that her body became completely dehydrated," he told the visiting leader. Along with the demand for clean water, Kishore urged the government to provide him with a job to help sustain his family following their loss.
A Unified Message for Permanent Solutions
Other residents, including the families of Tara Rani, Santosh Bigoliya, and Shankar, also met with the Congress leader. Their message remained consistent. While financial aid offered temporary relief, the restoration of safe, reliable, and clean drinking water was the only way to ensure the future safety of Bhagirathpura's residents. They emphasized that infrastructure improvements are crucial to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
The collective voice of these families highlights a critical issue. They seek long-term solutions over short-term monetary help. Their experiences underscore the urgent need for addressing water quality problems in urban areas like Indore.
