Multiple deaths reported from water contamination in Indore
Recent water contamination in Indore has caused multiple deaths and widespread illness. Reports confirm at least 7 fatalities, primarily from diarrhea, with varying figures from officials and unconfirmed sources up to 10. Around 149 people remain hospitalized across 27 facilities as of early January 2026.
The outbreak struck Indore’s Bhagirathpura area starting December 24, 2025, affecting about 15,000 residents with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea from foul-smelling tap water. A suspected leak in the main water pipeline under a toilet mixed sewage with drinking supply, confirmed during surveys of over 2,700 households. Named victims include Nandlal Pal, Urmila Yadav, and Tara Bai Kori.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited Indore, announced ₹2 lakh compensation per deceased family, and covered all treatment costs. Three municipal officials—a zonal officer, assistant engineer, and sub-engineer—faced suspension or termination. Water tankers were deployed, samples sent for testing, and residents advised to boil water.
Health teams screened 12,000 people, treating over 1,000 with mild symptoms; 111 serious cases were admitted, 18 discharged. Despite Indore’s “cleanest city” status and Water Plus certification, this highlights infrastructure vulnerabilities. Door-to-door surveys and a three-member probe continue.
