Indore, repeatedly honoured as India's cleanest city, is facing a heartbreaking public health disaster after sewage contaminated the drinking water supply in Bhagirathpura locality. The crisis erupted around December 30, 2025, leading to rapid spread of vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration, overwhelming local hospitals.
While official figures report several deaths and hundreds hospitalised, ground reports and families claim the toll is higher—up to 14 lives, including vulnerable children and elderly. Lab tests confirmed faecal bacteria due to damaged pipelines allowing drain water to mix with Narmada supply lines.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav swiftly ordered a magisterial inquiry, resulting in one official's dismissal and suspensions of others. Water tankers, ORS packets, chlorine tablets, and medical teams have been rushed to the area, with door-to-door checks ongoing.
Public outrage grows over recurring water safety issues despite Swachh Bharat accolades and Smart City projects. Affected residents share stories of panic, avoiding taps completely now.
The tragedy highlights urgent gaps in urban water infrastructure nationwide, calling for immediate repairs, better monitoring, and accountability to restore trust and prevent future outbreaks.
TL;DR
- Contaminated water outbreak hits Indore Bhagirathpura since Dec 30, 2025, causing widespread diarrhoea affecting thousands with severe dehydration and vomiting symptoms.
- Death toll varies in reports: Official around 6, locals and media claim 10-14 including children and elderly in the affected residential area.
- Primary cause: Sewage leakage mixes with Narmada drinking water pipeline due to damage and long-standing maintenance negligence.
- Lab tests confirm high bacterial contamination levels in multiple water samples collected from homes in the locality.
- Government deploys hundreds of water tankers daily, distributes ORS packets, chlorine tablets, and conducts door-to-door health surveys.
- Administrative actions include dismissal of one official, suspension of two others, and magisterial probe ordered by CM Mohan Yadav.
- Health department mobilises extra doctors, medicines, and ambulances; free treatment provided to all affected patients in hospitals.
- Public expresses anger highlighting irony of repeated Swachh Bharat rankings while facing basic water safety failures repeatedly.
- Long-term demands include complete pipeline replacement, strict separation of sewage and drinking lines, and regular quality testing.
- Incident serves as wake-up call for urban water management across growing Indian cities facing similar infrastructure challenges.
