Indore water contamination death toll rises to 17:9,416 screened in Bhagirathpura, 20 new cases identified; govt to submit report in HC

The death toll from drinking contaminated water in Bhagirathpura, Indore, has risen to 17. Until Saturday, 16 deaths had been reported. The latest victim was retired policeman Omprakash Sharma (69), a resident of Shiv Vihar Colony in Dhar. He was admitted to a private hospital on January 1 after suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea. As his condition worsened, he was shifted to the ICU on January 2 and put on a ventilator two days later. He died on Sunday at around 1 pm. Family members said Sharma had no serious illness except high blood pressure. Doctors said his kidneys were damaged due to contaminated water, and his condition did not improve despite treatment. Meanwhile, 11 patients were admitted to the ICU at Bombay Hospital. Of these, four have been shifted to the ward, while seven remain in critical care as of Sunday night. So far, 398 patients have been hospitalised, out of which 256 have been discharged. At present, 142 patients are undergoing treatment in various hospitals. On January 4, the health department surveyed 2,354 houses in the affected area. A total of 9,416 people were examined, and 20 new patients were identified. Follow-up checks were conducted on 429 existing patients. CMHO Dr Madhav Hasani said five ambulances have been deployed in the area. As a preventive measure, 10 ORS packets and 30 zinc tablets have been distributed to each household. Clean water bottle kits have also been provided for water purification. Seventeen teams are continuously spreading awareness in the area. These include members of the Jan Abhiyan Parishad, community health officers, ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, ANMs, supervisors and NGO volunteers. The government will submit a detailed report on the incident to the Indore bench of the High Court on Tuesday. Scientists from Kolkata to collect samples A review meeting was held on Sunday at the Smart City office in Indore, chaired by Collector Shivam Verma. He said teams of expert doctors from Kolkata, Delhi and Bhopal are working in Bhagirathpura. Scientists Dr Pramit Ghosh and Dr Gautam Chaudhary from Kolkata will collect random water samples from the area and conduct scientific investigations. Pipeline repair work continues Pipeline repair work is progressing at a fast pace in Bhagirathpura. Borewells are also being checked for leakage. Local resident Lalit said drinking water is currently being supplied through tankers. Due to rising demand for clean water, Bisleri water vehicles have also started moving through the streets. Mayor assures full administrative support Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava said the administration’s top priority is to provide all possible assistance to affected residents. He said officials are present in the area round the clock and immediate arrangements are being made for treatment and hospital admission whenever a patient is reported. The Mayor added that Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has directed officials to survey all water lines and resolve complaints within 48 hours. The administration is working strictly as per these instructions.