In the wake of at least four deaths and over 1,400 people affected by a water contamination crisis in Indore's Bhagirathpura area, the Madhya Pradesh government has taken swift action, resulting in the removal of the Indore Municipal Commissioner and the suspension of two senior officials. The decision, announced by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, underscores the government's commitment to addressing the public health emergency and holding those responsible accountable.
The crisis, which began in late December 2025, saw residents of Bhagirathpura falling ill with severe vomiting and diarrhea after consuming contaminated municipal drinking water. While official reports confirm at least four deaths, some local residents claim the toll is as high as 14 or 15, including a six-month-old infant. Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava stated he had received information about 10 deaths. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of sewer bacteria in the water supply, pointing to a leakage in the main drinking water pipeline, potentially near a toilet.
Chief Minister Yadav expressed strong disapproval of the negligence and ordered immediate action. In a statement, he announced the removal (transfer) of Indore Municipal Commissioner Dilip Kumar Yadav and the suspension of Additional Municipal Commissioner Rohit Sisoniya and in-charge Superintending Engineer of the Public Health Engineering Department, Sanjeev Shrivastava. Furthermore, Yadav directed the Indore Municipal Corporation to issue show-cause notices, relieve the in-charge Superintending Engineer of water distribution duties, and promptly fill vacant positions.
The government has submitted a status report to the High Court, stating that the outbreak is now under control due to emergency measures. These measures include continuous monitoring to prevent any resurgence, deployment of water tankers, and public announcements urging residents to boil water before drinking. Health officials have also been conducting door-to-door screenings, identifying new cases, and distributing preventive ORS sachets and Zinc tablets. Over 48,400 people have been screened in the Bhagirathpura area. As of Thursday, 272 patients had been admitted to hospitals, with 71 discharged and 32 in intensive care.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident and has requested a detailed report from the Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary within two weeks. The incident has sparked outrage and political debate, with opposition parties criticizing the government's handling of the situation and raising concerns about sanitation lapses in Indore, a city known as India's cleanest. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for remaining silent on the matter.
The water contamination crisis has cast a shadow on Indore's reputation and raised serious questions about pipeline safety and monitoring. The government has pledged to develop a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the entire state to prevent similar outbreaks in the future. Madhya Pradesh Urban Development and Housing Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said that micro-checking is in progress across the entire colony and is expected to be completed in 8-10 days.
