An outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting in Indore's Bhagirathpura area has escalated into a major public health and political issue, with the Madhya Pradesh government facing questions over the actual death toll while providing financial relief to affected families.
Compensation Disbursed Amidst Death Toll Confusion
On Wednesday, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav addressed the sensitive situation, stating that the death of even one person is painful for the administration. He emphasized a humane approach, shifting focus away from data analysis. "We are not getting into data analysis. The administration has its own method of evaluation," Yadav said during a press conference on the Vikasit Bharat Gramin Act.
This statement comes amidst a discrepancy in reported figures. While the state government has officially declared only six deaths so far, it has already distributed compensation cheques of Rs 2 lakh each to 18 bereaved families from the Red Cross Fund, totaling Rs 36 lakh. Indore collector Shivam Verma explained this proactive step, noting that a panel of doctors is analyzing each case to establish the exact cause of death, but the government could not wait for every clinical report before supporting the grieving families.
On-Ground Situation and Administrative Response
The health crisis in Bhagirathpura remains active. On Wednesday alone, 24 new patients were treated in the OPD with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting. Four more required hospital admission, bringing the total number of hospitalized patients to 56, according to Indore CMHO Dr. Madhav Hasani. Nine patients are currently in the ICU, indicating the severity of the outbreak.
In response to the crisis, which is suspected to be linked to water contamination, the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) has taken corrective measures. IMC commissioner Kshitij detailed the actions, saying, "We have filled the main water tank, chlorinated it and maintained all protocols so that chlorination of the entire pipeline takes place." The civic body also flushed the water pipeline to remove any sewage remnants and collected water samples from various areas for testing.
Political Reactions and Warnings of Wider Crisis
The incident has drawn sharp political reactions. Leader of the opposition, Umang Singhar, took to the streets of Indore on Wednesday to conduct an independent 'water audit'. He issued a stern warning, alleging that due to systemic negligence, several other neighbourhoods in the city are on the verge of becoming 'the next Bhagirathpura'.
Reiterating the government's stance, CM Mohan Yadav assured that relief would be provided without discrimination. "No matter who the people are, when it comes to providing relief, we will stand by everyone," he said, underscoring the administration's commitment to a compassionate and immediate response despite the ongoing medical investigations into the precise cause of the tragic deaths.
