In Indore, a family is mourning the loss of their five-month-old child, a tragedy they attribute to contaminated water mixed with packaged milk. The infant's death is part of a larger crisis in the Bhagirathpura locality, where contaminated water has led to multiple fatalities and widespread illness.
The infant, Avyan Sahu, fell ill after being fed milk mixed with water. According to Avyan's father, Sunil Sahu, the child developed severe vomiting and diarrhea. Despite seeking medical treatment, Avyan passed away. "A child was born in our house after 10 years," the grieving father recounted. "The child died within 6 months of birth. The child was being given milk mixed with water. This caused his health to deteriorate. He started vomiting and having diarrhea. We took him to the doctor. He died during treatment". Avyan was born after 11 years of marriage.
The incident has brought into focus the issue of contaminated water supply in the area. Preliminary investigations suggest that a leakage in the main water supply pipeline allowed sewage to seep into the drinking water system. Reportedly, a toilet was constructed over the leaking water pipeline, exacerbating the contamination. This negligence on the part of civic authorities has triggered serious questions about the monitoring and enforcement of safety standards.
The crisis has affected a large number of residents in Bhagirathpura. Health officials screened approximately 40,000 residents and identified over 2,456 suspected cases. Over 200 patients were hospitalized, with many suffering from vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. While some patients have been discharged, many remain under treatment.
The High Court has taken cognizance of the matter and has demanded a report on the incident within two days. The court has also directed that all affected individuals be provided with free medical treatment. In response to the crisis, the municipal corporation has suspended a zonal officer and an assistant engineer, and terminated the services of an in-charge sub-engineer. The state government has also indicated that fresh appointments will be made to address staff shortages in the civic body. A three-member committee headed by an IAS officer has been formed to probe the incident.
The incident has sparked outrage and accusations. Local residents allege that the situation is graver than what officials are reporting, claiming more deaths than have been officially acknowledged. Opposition leaders have demanded compensation for the victims and called for a thorough investigation and action against those responsible. The incident has cast a shadow over Indore, a city known for its cleanliness, and raised concerns about the quality of its essential services.
