Fri Jan 02 08:00:04 UTC 2026: News Article:

Indore Water Contamination Crisis: At Least 10 Dead, Hundreds Hospitalized, NHRC Demands Answers

Indore, January 2, 2026 – A severe water contamination incident in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area has resulted in at least ten deaths, the hospitalization of 272 residents, and sickness affecting over 2,800 people in the past ten days. The crisis stems from contaminated water supplied by the municipal corporation. Residents claim the death toll is closer to 14, sparking widespread outrage and prompting a probe by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

The NHRC has taken suo moto cognisance and has demanded a detailed report from the Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary within two weeks, citing reports that the main water pipeline runs beneath a public toilet, leading to sewage contamination due to leaks and broken distribution lines.

The incident casts a shadow over Indore’s eight-year streak as “India’s cleanest city” in the Swachh Survekshan survey. In response, the government has suspended two officials and dismissed one.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is personally overseeing the response, visiting hospitals, meeting with patients and their families, and consulting with doctors. Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla assures that the government is taking all necessary steps to provide proper treatment and investigate the cause of the contamination.

Indore Divisional Commissioner Sudam Khade confirmed bacterial contamination in 26 water samples and stated that the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) has initiated cleaning of the supply lines and repairing leaks. Chlorine tablets have been distributed, and residents are advised to boil water before consumption.

The IMC has deployed 100 water tankers to address immediate needs. A fresh tender for a new water supply line, stalled for four months, is expected to be cleared by Friday.

Adding to the controversy, Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has since apologized for responding to journalist’s questions on local residents’ have not yet been reimbursed by the government despite making promises in public, calling them “fokat(useless) questions”.

Screenings have been conducted for over 48,400 people in the affected area. While 71 patients have been discharged, 201 remain hospitalized, with 32 in intensive care.

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