A severe public health emergency has unfolded in Indore’s Bhagirthpura area, where contaminated municipal water has led to a deadly outbreak of diarrhea and vomiting.1 As of January 1, 2026, the situation is being treated as a high-priority “emergency” by the Madhya Pradesh government.
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The tragedy has struck Indore, frequently celebrated as India’s cleanest city, sparking intense debate over aging infrastructure and civic negligence.
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1. The Toll and Scale of the Outbreak
The numbers reflect a rapidly escalating crisis that began surfacing around December 25, 2025.
| Category | Official/Confirmed Figures | Local/Resident Claims |
| Deaths | 7 – 8 (varying reports) | Up to 13 (including infants) |
| Hospitalised | 149 – 162 | 200+ across 27 hospitals |
| Suspected Cases | 2,456 | — |
| People Screened | 40,000+ | — |
2. What Caused the Contamination?
Investigations have revealed a shocking lapse in civic planning and maintenance:
The Source: A major leak was found in the main water supply pipeline in Bhagirthpura.
The “Killer” Lapse: A toilet was constructed directly above this leaking main line.5 Crucially, the toilet lacked a proper septic tank, allowing raw sewage to seep directly into the drinking water system.
Early Warnings Ignored: Residents had complained of “foul-smelling” and “metallic-tasting” water since December 25, but no immediate action was taken until deaths began to occur.
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3. Government and Legal Response
Disciplinary Action:
Sacked: In-charge Deputy Engineer Shubham Srivastava.
Suspended: Zonal Officer Shaligram Shitole and Assistant Engineer Yogesh Joshi.
Inquiry: A three-member committee led by an IAS officer (Navjeevan Panwar) is investigating the lapse.
Relief Measures:
Compensation: CM Mohan Yadav announced ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased.
Free Treatment: The state will bear all medical expenses for the affected residents.
Water Supply: Tap water has been halted; 60–70 tankers are currently providing clean water to the 15,000 residents of the area.
4. High Court Intervention
The Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court took up a PIL on December 31.
Directive: The court ordered the state to ensure immediate clean water and provide the “best possible” medical care.14
Deadline: The government must submit a detailed Status Report by January 2, 2026, outlining the number of victims and the exact medical care provided.
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