Water Contamination Crisis Spreads to Mhow Tehsil in Indore
In a concerning development following last month's deadly water contamination incident, at least nine people have fallen ill after consuming contaminated drinking water in Mhow tehsil of Indore district, officials confirmed on Friday. This new outbreak comes just weeks after seven deaths were linked to water contamination in the Bhagirathpura area of the same district.
New Cases Emerge in Patti Bazaar and Chander Marg
According to officials speaking to news agency PTI, these latest cases of water-borne diseases were reported from the Patti Bazaar and Chander Marg areas on Thursday night. Nine patients have been hospitalized for treatment, while several others are recovering at home under medical supervision.
The official statement revealed that personnel from the health department have been deployed on site since Friday morning, working under the direction of Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Madhav Hasani to contain the situation.
Collector Takes Immediate Action
Indore Collector Shivam Verma visited patients undergoing treatment at a hospital in Mhow late Thursday night and spoke directly with residents of the affected areas. Verma directed the health department to ensure proper and effective treatment for all patients and instructed the Mhow Cantonment Board to immediately check water quality and maintain cleanliness in the region.
"The government is closely monitoring the situation," Verma stated. He added that affected areas would be thoroughly surveyed, with residents showing any symptoms receiving appropriate medical attention. Critical patients would be admitted to hospitals without delay.
Regarding the current condition of patients, Verma told PTI: "No patient is in critical condition at present, and some of them will be discharged during the day."
Political Response and Medical Support
Mhow MLA Usha Thakur visited the hospital to meet affected individuals and assess the situation firsthand. The official confirmed that a team from Indore Medical College and other specialist doctors are being dispatched to the scene to provide additional medical support and expertise.
Background: Last Month's Deadly Outbreak
This new incident follows a tragic outbreak last month in Bhagirathpura area where several people fell ill and seven deaths were officially linked to water contamination. Officials had earlier revealed that contaminated water was found in 51 tubewells in Bhagirathpura, though residents claimed the death toll reached 25.
A status report submitted by the Madhya Pradesh government to the High Court on January 15 confirmed seven deaths, including that of a five-month-old boy. However, a death audit report from Government Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College indicated that 15 deaths in Bhagirathpura could be linked to the contamination issue.
Root Cause: Bacterial Contamination
The Madhya Pradesh government informed the High Court on January 20 that bacterial contamination of drinking water led to widespread infection in Bhagirathpura. During hearings on public interest litigations regarding the deaths, Chief Secretary Anurag Jain stated that tests revealed the presence of E. coli bacteria in 51 tube wells.
Government lawyers explained that leakage in a pipeline caused drinking water to become contaminated through mixing with sewer water, with contamination sources including a public toilet's sewer system. Health experts note that E. coli commonly enters water through sewage or feces, causing vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and fever when consumed.
Government Response and Legal Proceedings
The government informed the High Court that a high-level committee has been established to investigate contamination causes, fix accountability, and suggest preventive measures. However, petitioners' lawyer Ajay Bagaria expressed strong distrust of this committee, calling for a judicial inquiry headed by a retired High Court judge.
Bagaria also urged the court to order registration of an FIR against officials and individuals responsible for the deaths. The High Court has reserved its order on these petitions and scheduled the next hearing for January 28.
As Indore, recognized as India's cleanest city, grapples with this expanding public health crisis, authorities face mounting pressure to ensure safe drinking water and prevent further outbreaks across the district.
