Over 34 fall sick in Indore after drinking contaminated water:Outbreak in minister Vijayvargiya’s constituency; CM takes cognizance, residents allege 150 fell ill in a week

At least 34 residents of Bhagirathpura, which falls under the assembly constituency of cabinet minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, fell ill after allegedly consuming contaminated tap water, on Monday night. The affected people were rushed to nearby hospitals with complaints of nausea, vomiting and severe stomach ache. The incident prompted Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav to take cognizance of the matter, even as it triggered panic in the locality and put the district administration on alert. Minister visits hospitals, government to bear hospital expenses Urban Administration Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya reached the hospitals to enquire about the health of the patients. “We appeal to the people of Bhagirathpura to boil water before drinking and avoid consuming direct tap water. Hospitals have been directed to provide free treatment, as the government will bear all expenses,” Vijayvargiya said. He added that the exact reason behind the water contamination is yet to be ascertained. “Teams are collecting water samples from multiple points. The cause will be identified soon.” CM Mohan Yadav takes cognisance Chief Minister Mohan Yadav directed the district administration and health department to ensure prompt, adequate and quality treatment for all affected residents. He instructed officials to ensure there is no shortage of medicines, specialist care or essential resources. Administration on alert, probe underway Collector Shivam Verma said the administration received complaints of people falling ill following water consumption, after which medical teams were rushed to the area. “The situation is under constant monitoring. A detailed investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident, and the health department has been asked to conduct regular reviews.” Verma said. Residents claim over 120 fallen ill in a week Local residents alleged that complaints about contaminated water supply were raised earlier, but neither the administration nor the Indore Municipal Corporation paid heed. They claimed the problem worsened on Monday after polluted water was supplied through taps. Family members of one of the patients claimed that people in the area have been falling sick since December 24, alleging that over 120 residents may have been affected due to the same contaminated water supply. They said repeated complaints were made, but the problem was not addressed in time. Doctors flag early warning signs before outbreak Meanwhile, duty doctors at the hospitals said that sporadic cases of nausea and vomiting from the Bhagirathpura area were being reported since December 22, but a sudden spike and outbreak occurred on Monday, overwhelming nearby medical facilities. More than 20 patients were admitted to Verma Hospital, while others were taken to Triveni Hospital. Hospital authorities said that the condition of all patients is stable. Congress staged demonstration on same issue Earlier the same day, the Congress staged a protest in Assembly Constituency 2, accusing the civic body of ignoring basic civic issues. Demonstrators created a stir at Zone No. 8, alleging delay by zonal officials, beating conch shells, ringing bells and breaking earthen pots to ‘wake up’ the civic administration. Congress leaders said residents of wards 30, 37 and 28 have been facing persistent problems, including dirty tap water, garbage accumulation, choked drainage lines, foul stench, broken chamber covers and irregular sanitation.