Ten Deaths Reported as Indore Water Crisis Deepens, NHRC Demands Action
Updated (2 articles)
Mass Illness and Rising Fatalities in Bhagirathpura Over the past ten days, roughly 2,800 residents fell ill after drinking contaminated water supplied by the Indore Municipal Corporation, and 272 were hospitalized [1][2]. The official death count remains four, but local residents claim the toll has climbed to at least ten, with some reports suggesting up to 14 fatalities [1][2]. Health officials have screened tens of thousands of people in the affected neighbourhood, noting a gradual decline in outpatient visits after remedial measures began [1][2].
Bacterial Contamination Confirmed in Multiple Samples Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College identified bacterial contamination in 26 water samples out of more than 70 collected across Bhagirathpura [1][2]. The findings prompted the Indore Divisional Commissioner to order a full cleaning of the supply line and repair of identified leaks [1][2]. Chlorine tablets were distributed to households, and residents were instructed to boil water before consumption [1][2].
Government Mobilizes Emergency Supplies and Accelerates New Line Tender The municipal corporation deployed 100 water tankers to deliver safe water while the supply network is being flushed [1]. An August tender for a new Bhagirathpura water line, stalled for over four months, was slated for clearance on January 2 following a high‑level meeting on January 1 [1][2]. Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya pledged that construction would commence once the tender is approved [2].
Accountability Measures and Political Fallout The National Human Rights Commission took suo moto cognizance and ordered Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary Anurag Jain to submit a detailed report within two weeks [1][2]. Senior municipal officials were suspended and one dismissed as part of the investigation [1]. Minister Vijayvargiya faced criticism for dismissive remarks, later issuing a public apology, while opposition leader Jitu Patwari condemned the handling of the crisis [2].
Sources
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1.
The Hindu:Indore water contamination: death toll rises to at least ten as NHRC intervenes and officials face action: Details rising death estimates, NHRC’s suo moto probe, official suspensions, and ministerial controversy .
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2.
The Hindu:Bacteria found in 26 Indore water samples as cleanup begins and health toll grows: Focuses on bacterial test results, health impact numbers, tender delay, and political reactions .
Timeline
Aug 2025 – The state issues a fresh tender for a new Bhagirathpura water‑supply line, but the project stalls for over four months, delaying critical infrastructure upgrades [1][2].
Late Dec 2025 – Early Jan 2026 – Contaminated municipal water spreads through the Bhagirathpura area, causing illness in nearly 2,800 residents and hospitalising 272 people; officials record four deaths while locals claim up to 14 [1][2].
Jan 1, 2026 – A high‑level meeting resolves to clear the stalled tender by Jan 2 and to commence construction of the new supply line once approved, aiming to prevent future crises [2].
Jan 1, 2026 – The National Human Rights Commission takes suo motu cognisance and orders Madhya‑Pradesh Chief Secretary Anurag Jain to submit a detailed report within two weeks, citing ignored resident complaints [2].
Jan 1, 2026 – Cabinet minister Kailash Vijayvargiya sparks backlash by telling reporters “don’t ask ‘fokat’ questions,” prompting widespread criticism of government accountability [1].
Jan 2, 2026 – The NHRC formally intervenes, reiterating the two‑week deadline for the chief secretary’s report and signalling heightened scrutiny of the city’s sanitation failures [1].
Jan 2, 2026 – The death toll in the water crisis rises to at least ten, senior officials are suspended and one is dismissed, and a probe panel is formed to determine responsibility [1].
Jan 2, 2026 – Indore’s Divisional Commissioner announces that the entire supply line has been cleaned, leaks repaired, chlorine tablets distributed and residents advised to boil water, with outpatient visits beginning to decline [1][2].
Jan 2, 2026 – Emergency response deploys 100 water tankers to the affected neighbourhood, while the stalled tender is expected to be cleared imminently so construction can start in mid‑January [1][2].
Jan 2, 2026 – Vijayvargiya issues a public apology, saying his earlier remarks “did not reflect my intentions,” as the administration continues relief efforts [1].
Mid‑Jan 2026 (expected) – Construction of the new Bhagirathpura water line is slated to begin following tender clearance, aiming to restore safe water supply and address the systemic gaps exposed by the crisis [2].