In response to recent water contamination incidents in Madhya Pradesh, the Indore administration has taken decisive action to protect public health. Following reports of illnesses stemming from contaminated water in Mhow, officials have deployed survey teams and established temporary hospitals to address the crisis. These measures follow a similar incident last month in the Bhagirathpura area of Indore, where contaminated water led to multiple fatalities and widespread illness.
On Saturday, January 24, 2026, the administration confirmed the deployment of 12 survey teams in Mhow. These teams are tasked with assessing the extent of the contamination and identifying affected residents. Initial reports indicate that at least 12 suspected cases of stomach infection were detected in the Patti Bazaar area of Mhow on Friday, January 23. However, local residents claim that the actual number of those who have fallen ill after consuming contaminated water is closer to 24. The survey teams have already examined more than 80 households in Patti Bazaar.
In addition to the deployment of survey teams, the Indore administration has established two temporary hospitals in the affected area of Mhow, which has a population of approximately 2,500. These hospitals are equipped to provide immediate treatment to those suffering from waterborne illnesses. At least 12 suspected patients have been identified and are currently receiving treatment. Eight patients are hospitalized, while two have recovered and been discharged.
These actions follow a similar water contamination crisis in Bhagirathpura in December 2025, where at least 15 people died and approximately 270 were hospitalized after the municipal drinking water became contaminated. Investigations into the Bhagirathpura incident revealed that the contamination was likely caused by sewage entering the water supply due to a leak in a water pipeline. A subsequent report confirmed bacterial contamination in 26 water samples from Indore, with approximately one-third of the samples taken from Bhagirathpura showing evidence of bacterial contamination.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court is now involved, directing the safe keeping of relevant records and case documents related to the Indore water contamination crisis. The court had previously issued interim directions to various authorities and instructed the Chief Secretary of the State to report on actions being taken to prevent water contamination statewide. In response, the state government appointed a High-Level Monitoring Committee to investigate the causes of the Bhagirathpura contamination, identify responsible officials, and recommend preventative measures.
In the wake of the Bhagirathpura incident, municipal corporation officials across Madhya Pradesh have been directed to ensure proper maintenance of water supply systems, continuous monitoring of water quality, and timely detection of pipeline leakages. In Indore, this directive has translated into a citywide effort to identify contamination sources.
