Indore records ninth death from contaminated water:5-month-old child among victims; govt has officially confirmed only 3 deaths so far

In Indore, one of India’s cleanest cities, nine people have died so far after drinking contaminated water in the Bagirathpura area. On Wednesday, four people, including a five-month-old baby, lost their lives. However, conflicting reports about the deaths have emerged. According to Collector Shivam Verma, four people have died and 149 are admitted to hospital. Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav stated that seven deaths have occurred and 116 people are sick, while 36 patients have been discharged from hospitals. On Tuesday, Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya had confirmed three deaths, including Nandram (70), Urmila (60), and Tarabai Kori (70). It was reported that all three had died due to diarrhoea. Status of patients admitted to hospitals At Arbind Hospital, three patients have been admitted to the ICU. Notably, in view of the situation, a separate 100-bed unit has been set up here on the instructions of CMO Dr. Madhav Hasani. Deaths Reported Throughout the Day The issue came to light on Monday night when Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya arrived in Indore from Delhi and visited Verma Hospital. It was then discovered that over 150 people had fallen ill. On Tuesday, five deaths were reported during the day, while late at night, news of three more deaths emerged. This brings the total confirmed deaths to eight. The situation shows that people had been falling sick for the past week. The first death, on 26 December, was reportedly of Gomti Rawat. Thus, eight people have died in five days. Free treatment, expenses to be borne by government Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav, Collector Shivam Verma, Municipal Commissioner Dilip Yadav, and CMO Dr. Madhav Hasani are closely monitoring the situation. All hospitals in Bagirathpura have been instructed not to charge patients for treatment. The government will bear all medical expenses. According to CMO Dr. Madhav Hasani: Doctors and paramedical staff conducted door-to-door checks and treatments in 15 streets of Bagirathpura. Seriously ill patients are being sent to hospitals by ambulance. ASHA workers are distributing chlorine, zinc tablets, and ORS. Ambulances and medical staff deployed People are advised to immediately visit health centres if symptoms appear, drink boiled water, and avoid outside food and cut fruits. Four ambulances are deployed in the area. In addition, 14 doctors, 24 MPWs, paramedical staff, and doctors from the Community Medicine Department of MYH are assisting. Night duty has also been assigned to doctors. Action taken against officials A three-member inquiry committee has been formed, headed by IAS Navjivan Panwar, with Superintendent Engineer Pradeep Nigam and Medical College Associate Professor Dr. Shailesh Rai as members. Medicines for a year sold out in four days A local pharmacist in Bagirathpura said that medicines for vomiting, diarrhoea, and fever, which normally sell over a year, have been sold in just four days. Leak Found in Main Pipeline Under Toilets A leak has been found in the main water line under a toilet near the police post in Bagirathpura. It is suspected that this leak contaminated the drinking water. The situation is also serious in Bhavna Nagar, Wards 75 and 76 of Rau Assembly. Homes are filling with contaminated chamber line water. Foul-smelling and polluted water is also coming from the Narmada supply line. Residents are forced to use this water. Large pits dug for drainage contain dirty water, increasing the risk of diseases due to stench and mosquitoes. Compensation for families of deceased Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced a compensation of 2 lakh rupees each for the families of the deceased. Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said over 70 water samples have been collected, and all treatment will be covered by the government. Refunds will be issued to those who paid for treatment. Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav has ordered an investigation and promised strict action against those responsible. Water is being supplied in the area through 50 tankers. Helpline number: 7440440511. Road excavations adding to public trouble In Vijay Nagar, road excavations under the Metro and Master Plan projects are causing difficulties for residents. They allege contaminated water is also being supplied there. On Monday, Congress workers protested at Vijay Nagar police station over this issue. After the Bagirathpura incident, fear has spread among residents there as well. Water pipeline tender opened after deaths A tender for a new water line had been issued four months ago. In August, four agencies participated in the tender to lay a new line costing 2.4 crore rupees. The authorities had not opened the tender until now. The tender explicitly mentioned complaints about contaminated water. Following the deaths, officials rushed to open the tender. Meanwhile, the leak in the Narmada main line caused the disease outbreak. The leak was under a garden facility near the water tank. On Tuesday, the facility was dismantled with a JCB, the leak found in the main line, and repairs completed.