Sewer-linked bacteria in drinking water cause diarrhoea outbreak in Indore’s Bhagirathpura, leaving thousands sick and several deaths reported
A serious public health crisis has emerged in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area after officials confirmed that drinking water was contaminated with bacteria normally found in sewer water. The contamination led to a widespread diarrhoea outbreak, affecting thousands of residents and resulting in several deaths.
Abnormal Bacteria Detected, Final Test Results Awaited
Doctors have confirmed that water samples collected from the affected area contain abnormal bacteria commonly linked to human waste. The findings point to severe contamination in the local water supply.
Dr Arvind Ghanghoria, Dean of Mahatma Gandhi Medical College in Indore, said the initial laboratory report clearly shows the presence of sewer-related bacteria in the water samples. However, he clarified that doctors have not yet identified the exact type of bacteria because culture test reports are still awaited. He also said that stool sample reports of patients suffering from diarrhoea have not been received so far. Doctors believe these reports will help confirm the exact cause of the outbreak.
Residents Complained of Foul-Smelling Water
According to the local administration, residents started complaining about an unusual and foul smell in their water supply on December 25. Some residents claimed the problem had existed for several weeks but became much worse on that day.
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One resident said the water issue continued quietly for days before suddenly worsening on December 25, after which many people began falling sick. Several residents reported that the water appeared discoloured and smelled bad. They also alleged that authorities ignored their earlier complaints, allowing the situation to worsen.
Death Count Revised After Official Review
After conducting an official review, authorities revised the number of deaths linked to the outbreak. Additional Chief Secretary Sanjay Dubey, who is heading the probe committee, said officials reported 14 deaths from the area, but only nine deaths occurred directly due to diarrhoea caused by contaminated water.
He explained that the remaining deaths happened due to pre-existing medical conditions, while one death occurred in an accident. He also clarified that authorities had wrongly linked the death of a woman on December 21 to water contamination.
Thousands Fall Ill, Over 150 Hospitalised
The outbreak has affected a large number of people in Bhagirathpura. Thousands of residents reported symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration, and stomach infections. Official figures suggest that more than 2,400 people have shown illness symptoms.
Hospitals across Indore admitted over 150 patients for treatment. An infant death was also reported, where a five-month-old baby died after being fed milk mixed with contaminated tap water.
Pipeline Leak Allowed Sewage to Mix With Drinking Water
Medical and Health Officer Dr Madhav Hasani said water samples tested at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College laboratory confirmed that residents became ill after consuming contaminated water.
Officials found that a leak in the drinking water pipeline allowed sewage and harmful bacteria to enter the water supply. Investigators also suspect that improper construction, including a toilet built above a water pipeline, may have caused the contamination.
NHRC Notice and Government Response
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the Madhya Pradesh government, calling the deaths caused by contaminated water a serious violation of human rights.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief over the incident and announced ₹2 lakh compensation for the families of those who died. The state government also said it would bear all medical expenses of patients affected by the outbreak.
Civic and municipal officials have come under scrutiny, and authorities have initiated disciplinary action against some officials as the investigation continues.
Bhagirathpura Residents Face Severe Impact
Bhagirathpura, home to thousands of residents, many from economically weaker sections, has been badly affected. Many houses remain nearly empty as families stay in hospitals to care for sick members.
Residents said the water remained dirty and foul-smelling for several days before the situation worsened. The incident has raised serious concerns about water safety and infrastructure failures in a city often known for its cleanliness.
Probe Continues as Authorities Await Final Reports
Officials said the final cause of the outbreak will be confirmed only after culture and stool test reports are received. The probe committee continues to examine pipeline maintenance failures, delayed action on complaints, and responsibility of civic bodies.
The incident has exposed serious gaps in urban water management and sanitation systems, highlighting the urgent need for stricter monitoring to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
