HC Questions Indore Death Count in Water Contamination Case, Flags City-Wide Panic
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has raised serious concerns over the state government's handling of a water contamination tragedy in Indore, questioning the scientific basis for attributing deaths and highlighting an alarming situation of public panic regarding drinking water safety. During hearings on Tuesday, a bench comprising Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi probed the government's conclusion that only 16 out of 23 reported deaths in the Bhagirathpura area were confirmed due to contamination, with others under review.
Judicial Scrutiny Over Death Audit Methodology
Justice Shukla directly challenged the state's assertions, asking, "What is the basis of this? ...You say that now it is conclusive. Whose report is it? Who has come to this conclusion?" The court perused a death audit report that mentioned verbal autopsy, a term Justice Shukla found unfamiliar, prompting queries about its validity. Additional Advocate General Rahul Sethi, representing the state, explained that information was based on case sheets and verbal details from the Chief Medical and Health Officer, later clarifying the term should have been "verbal information" rather than autopsy.
State Admits Gaps, Promises Detailed Report
Sethi acknowledged the need for more clarity, committing to submit a comprehensive report within three days detailing all 23 cases with postmortem findings and medical documents. Senior Advocate Ajay Bagadia, appearing for petitioners, expressed skepticism, stating, "In fact, I will go to the extent of saying even they are not very sure about the cause of death in the report." The court emphasized the importance of a solid basis for such conclusions, noting the lack of transparency in distinguishing confirmed from inconclusive cases.
Widespread Fear Over Water Safety in Indore
Justice Shukla vividly described the pervasive anxiety in the city, remarking, "It's a really very alarming situation... Nobody is finding it safe. I am telling you, the first reaction after hearing this case was that I enquired who cleaned the water tank of the High Court. I called that contractor, I verified immediately and I got it cleaned. So much panic among everyone in the town. Nobody feels that we are drinking safe water these days." This sentiment underscores the broader public health crisis, with reports of contamination also emerging in Mhow, exacerbating concerns.
Implications for Governance and Public Trust
The court's interrogation highlights critical lapses in the state's response to the contamination incident, which has eroded public confidence in water safety measures. As Indore, often hailed as India's cleanest city, grapples with this tragedy, the hearings serve as a stark reminder of the need for rigorous, scientifically-backed accountability in public health emergencies. The outcome of this case could set precedents for how similar crises are managed across the country, emphasizing transparency and swift action to restore trust.
