MP Government Compensates Families Amid Indore Water Contamination Tragedy
The Madhya Pradesh government made a significant submission before the Indore bench of the MP High Court on Thursday. Chief Secretary Anurag Jain informed the court that compensation of Rs 2 lakh has been paid to the families of 21 individuals in Indore's Bhagirathpura area. These deaths occurred during a period of suspected water contamination, though not all cases received medical confirmation linking them directly to polluted water sources.
Court Questions Government on Death Toll
The division bench, comprising Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi, pressed the government for clarity during a Public Interest Litigation hearing. Justice Shukla pointedly asked, "First, we want to ascertain the number of deaths. According to you, it is not because of this water contamination. So petitioners say out of 23, you accept that 15 people died. So, on what basis?"
Chief Secretary Jain responded that initial medical reports attributed some fatalities to co-morbidities. However, he explained the government's compassionate approach. "But looking at the gravity of the situation and the kind of public discourse which happens — and the government is conscious of such things — a decision was taken that all deaths, even though medically they may not be attributable to the contamination, but admitted in the hospital during this time, will be considered," Jain stated.
Contaminated Water Sources Identified and Isolated
The government's investigation revealed alarming findings. Testing of water sources identified 51 tube wells as contaminated. Jain assured the court that authorities have taken immediate action. "The sources were checked and all the contaminated sources were actually stopped. 51 tube wells were found to be contaminated," he reported. "Unless the water quality of those sources gets back to normal, till that time, no such source will be utilized."
These contaminated tube wells are currently undergoing treatment processes to restore safe water standards.
Government Implements New Safety Protocols
Learning from this tragedy, the state government has developed Standard Operating Procedures to prevent future incidents. Jain detailed their progress. "Now these are being fine-tuned, and the first round of training with the officials at the lower level has already taken place," he informed the court.
The government is leveraging technology extensively to monitor water safety. Additional Chief Secretary for Urban Development is overseeing daily operations. Authorities are exploring robotic mechanisms for online water testing monitoring systems and leakage detection, as directed by the court.
Technological Solutions and Infrastructure Investments
Madhya Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation has developed an innovative application called 'Amrut Rekha.' This app maps all pipelines and sewage pipelines on the Gati Shakti platform. "For Indore, it has been done. On a GIS platform, we are able to see where the sewage and the sewage pipelines and the drinking water pipelines are crossing each other. So these are the vulnerable points," Jain explained.
The government is making substantial infrastructure investments. An Rs 800 crore water supply project under AMRUT 2.0 is planned for Indore. Three additional contracts worth approximately Rs 1,460 crore will be awarded before January's end. The state cabinet has sanctioned Rs 5,000 crore for urban infrastructure development, including master plan roads and AMRUT works for drinking water and sewage lines.
Medical Response and Administrative Actions
During the crisis, the government provided free treatment to affected patients. Door-to-door surveys reached 1.62 lakh people across affected areas. Hospital admissions totaled 440 patients, with 411 discharged and 29 still receiving treatment at the time of the hearing.
The government has taken disciplinary action against responsible officers. "A new municipal corporation commissioner, whom we felt is one of the most competent officers around that seniority, and three other officers have been placed in the municipal corporation to beef up the team," Jain stated.
Next Steps in Legal Proceedings
Petitioners informed the court they had not received copies of the government's reply. The bench scheduled the next hearing for January 20. Chief Secretary Jain will appear via video conference. The court directed petitioners to file any responses to the government report by January 19.
This case continues to highlight critical public health infrastructure challenges while demonstrating governmental accountability through compensation and systemic reforms.
