The Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee has alleged that nearly 98 percent of 240 drinking water samples collected from Indore—a city repeatedly recognized as India's cleanest—are contaminated with disease-causing germs. The party has demanded an independent water audit of the entire city, as reported by news agency PTI.
Congress Claims and Sampling
State Congress President Jitu Patwari stated that the party collected 240 drinking water samples from 29 wards following the December 2025 tragedy in Indore's Bhagirathpura area, where several people allegedly died after consuming contaminated water. Addressing reporters, Patwari said the samples were tested at a laboratory in Noida, and nearly 98 percent of them were found to be contaminated.
Contaminants Detected
According to Patwari, bacteria such as E. coli and coliform were detected in the samples. Additionally, chemicals from the calcium carbonate, chloride, and sulphate groups were found in quantities several times higher than prescribed limits. Experts note that the presence of coliform bacteria indicates potential water contamination, while E. coli detection is more serious as it generally points to contamination from human or animal feces.
Health Risks
Patwari warned that consuming contaminated drinking water can lead to diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, jaundice, and dysentery, and in severe cases, may even result in death. Targeting the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he said, "Indore is not the cleanest city in the country, but has become the most contaminated city."
Demands and Investigation
The Congress leader demanded an independent water audit of the entire city, public release of ward-wise water test reports, and immediate supply of clean drinking water in affected areas. Local residents and Congress leaders have claimed that 36 people died due to an outbreak of vomiting and diarrhea linked to contaminated drinking water in Bhagirathpura.
However, during a discussion in the legislative assembly on February 19, state Health Minister Rajendra Shukla stated that 22 people had died and that compensation of Rs 2 lakh had been provided to the families of each deceased. A one-member commission headed by Justice Sushil Kumar Gupta, a former judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, is currently investigating the deaths linked to contaminated drinking water in Bhagirathpura. The Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the commission to submit its final report by June 14.
