Diarrhoeal Outbreak in Bhagirathpura, Indore Tied to Sewage Leak in Drinking Water
A pipeline leak in Bhagirathpura, Indore caused sewage to mix with the drinking water supply, triggering a diarrhoeal outbreak affecting thousands. The leak was identified and fixed, with officials currently reviewing other water sources to prevent further contamination. Over 200 people have been admitted to hospitals, and approximately 40,000 residents were screened in the past week, with about 2,450 cases of vomiting and diarrhoea identified.
Tragically, the outbreak has resulted in confirmed fatalities. Four deaths have been officially linked to contaminated water through postmortem examinations. However, the actual death toll may be higher; Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav confirmed four deaths, state minister Kailash Vijayvargiya cited eight, and local journalists reported a toll near 14. Among the victims was Avyan, a five-month-old infant who became ill on 26 December after being fed cow milk diluted with tap water. Despite receiving treatment, Avyan died within three days.
In response to the crisis, water supply to Bhagirathpura is now being provided by tankers, and residents have been instructed not to use tap water until further notice. The local municipal corporation is actively distributing safe water to residents. Additionally, officials have taken administrative action: one municipal officer has been dismissed and two others suspended. District Magistrate Shivam Verma stated that the leak has been fixed, and officials continue checking for other vulnerabilities. A committee has been established to investigate the incident and implement measures to prevent recurrence.
The incident has also sparked political discourse in Indore, which is BJP-led. Kamal Waghela of the BJP highlighted the need for repairs to sewage and water pipelines, while Jitu Patwari of the Congress party accused the BJP government of misgovernance contributing to the crisis.
