A serious health scare has gripped Indore’s Bhagirathpura area after contaminated drinking water led to a massive outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting, affecting more than 1,400 residents over the past nine days.
While the health department has officially confirmed four deaths, Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava has said he was informed about 10 fatalities linked to the outbreak. The discrepancy has triggered confusion and concern among residents, who claim the actual toll may be even higher.
Local residents have alleged that 14 people, including a six-month-old infant, have died due to the water-borne illness. However, these claims are yet to be confirmed by the health authorities.
“According to health department data, four people have died due to the diarrhoea outbreak in Bhagirathpura. However, I have received information about 10 deaths due to this outbreak,” Mayor Bhargava told PTI.
What caused the contamination?
According to Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr Madhav Prasad Hasani, laboratory tests conducted at a city medical college confirmed that the drinking water supply was contaminated due to a leakage in a pipeline.
Officials said the leakage was found in the main water supply pipeline near a police outpost in Bhagirathpura, at a spot where a toilet had been constructed. This, they claim, led to sewage mixing with the drinking water supply.
However, the CMHO did not share detailed findings of the lab report, and administrative officials have so far avoided giving clear explanations, adding to public anxiety.
Is it cholera?
When asked about the suspected spread of cholera, based on preliminary water test reports, the Mayor said that only the health department is authorised to confirm whether cholera is involved.
So far, officials have not officially declared a cholera outbreak.
Hospital situation remains critical
The health infrastructure in the affected area continues to be under pressure:
- 272 patients have been admitted to hospitals
- 71 patients have been discharged
- 201 patients are currently hospitalised
- 32 patients are undergoing treatment in ICUs
Health officials say medical teams are on alert, but residents are demanding clearer communication and faster action to prevent further loss of life.
FAQs
The health department has officially confirmed four deaths, while the Mayor says he has been informed of 10 deaths. Residents claim the number could be 14, but this has not been verified.
Officials say a leakage in the main drinking water pipeline, located near a toilet constructed over it, caused sewage to mix with the water supply.
No official confirmation of cholera has been made yet. The Mayor stated that only the health department can confirm this based on test results.
More than 1,400 people have reported symptoms like vomiting and diarrhoea over the last nine days.
As of Thursday night, 201 patients remain hospitalised, with 32 in ICUs, while 71 patients have recovered and been discharged.