Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Madhya Pradesh following a major water contamination incident in the state's commercial capital, Indore. The crisis has affected residents across more than 50 areas of the city, raising serious public health concerns.
Gandhi's Scathing 'Kumbhakarna' Jibe at Administration
In a strongly-worded statement, Rahul Gandhi accused the state administration of negligence. He likened the authorities to 'Kumbhakarna,' the mythical demon from the Ramayana known for his deep, prolonged sleep. The Congress MP asserted that while the people of Indore were suffering due to contaminated water supply, the government was oblivious and inactive.
The contamination was first reported by residents who noticed a foul smell and unusual color in their tap water. Subsequent complaints poured in from numerous localities, prompting the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) to initiate an investigation. Preliminary reports suggested that the contamination likely occurred due to a mix-up between sewage and drinking water lines during ongoing pipeline repair and construction work in the city.
Scale of the Crisis and Official Response
The impact of the contamination was widespread. Officials confirmed that water supply in over 50 wards was compromised, directly affecting thousands of households. Areas like Vijay Nagar, Sudama Nagar, and parts of the old city were among the worst hit.
Facing public outrage, the local administration swung into action. The IMC announced that it was flushing the water lines and conducting thorough checks to identify the exact point of leakage or cross-connection. Water tankers were deployed to supply clean drinking water to the affected neighborhoods as an emergency measure.
Authorities also advised residents to boil water before consumption and avoid using tap water for drinking or cooking until the system was fully purged and declared safe. Health departments were put on alert to monitor for any outbreaks of water-borne diseases.
Political Fallout and Public Health Concerns
Rahul Gandhi's criticism has turned the incident into a political flashpoint. He framed the crisis as a failure of governance and a direct result of the administration's apathy towards basic civic infrastructure and public welfare. The incident has sparked a debate on the state of urban utility management in Madhya Pradesh's premier city.
Beyond the politics, the event has highlighted grave public health risks. Contamination of potable water with sewage can lead to severe gastrointestinal illnesses, including cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A. The timing raises additional concerns, especially for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
This is not the first time Indore has faced such an issue, though the scale appears significant. The city, which has consistently won accolades for being one of India's cleanest, now faces questions about the integrity of its underground water supply network and the protocols followed during maintenance work.
The local municipal corporation has promised a detailed inquiry and said action would be taken against any officials found responsible for the lapse. The focus for now remains on restoring a safe and reliable water supply to all citizens of Indore.
