Indore: Indore witnessed panic over the past few days after at least three people died and more than 100 others were hospitalised following a suspected outbreak linked to contaminated drinking water in the city’s Bhagirathpura area. Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava confirmed the deaths on Tuesday, while local residents claimed the toll could be higher, alleging that five people, including four women, have died.
The mayor said he had received information about three deaths caused by diarrhoea-related complications but did not reveal the identities of the deceased. He added that the state government has been urged to provide financial assistance to the affected families and assured that all patients are being treated free of cost in government hospitals.
Chief Medical and Health Officer Madhav Prasad Hasani said the health department launched an extensive survey after reports of a diarrhoea outbreak surfaced in the area. Officials surveyed 2,703 households and examined nearly 12,000 people, providing immediate primary treatment to 1,146 patients who showed mild symptoms.
According to health officials, most patients reported vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration after consuming drinking water supplied to the locality. While laboratory test reports of water samples are still awaited, preliminary findings suggest that sewage water may have seeped into the drinking water pipelines, leading to contamination. Authorities have indicated that strict action will be taken against officials found negligent once the investigation is completed.
A local councillor said residents had complained that water supplied on December 25 had a foul smell, raising concerns that consumption of the contaminated water triggered the outbreak. Civic and health authorities continue to monitor the situation as treatment and preventive measures remain underway.
