Death toll in Indore water contamination rises to 20:16 patients remain in ICU; authorities confirm 6 deaths, while 18 families receive compensation

The death toll in Indore’s Bhagirathpura rose from 18 to 20 after residents consumed sewage-contaminated tap water, in a grim irony for a city ranked India’s “cleanest” for eight consecutive years.
The state government, in its response, submitted to the High Court acknowledged only four deaths, even though families of 18 deceased have already been given Rs 2 lakh each as assistance.
Officials added two more names to the list on Wednesday, Ramkali Jagdish and Shravan Natyu Khupraw, among the deceased. Authorities said that while 6 deaths are confirmed due to contaminated water, whenever death reports are received, cross-checks are done, and financial aid is provided to families. ICU cases and hospital situation On Wednesday, 16 patients were admitted to the ICU, including three on ventilators. Earlier, 15 patients were admitted on Monday and seven on Sunday. So far, 429 patients have been admitted. By Tuesday evening, 330 patients were discharged. Currently, 99 patients remain in the hospital. Residents depend on tankers and RO water After the deaths, locals are scared to use borewell water. Many families now rely on water tankers and RO systems. The supply of clean water is limited, and residents are cautious. Women’s Congress to hold protest The Madhya Pradesh Women’s Congress plans a state-wide protest on Wednesday. Reena Baurasi Setiya, state president, said candle marches will be organised across the state. Officials inspect area daily Collector Shivam Verma and Municipal Commissioner Kshitij Singhal visited Bhagirathpura colonies on Wednesday. They checked sewage and Narmada pipeline leaks. They also met local residents to discuss water supply issues. Singhal said teams are informing residents about Narmada water testing. People have been told to keep their home taps closed and not use the water during testing. Tankers are supplying adequate water, which should be boiled and filtered before drinking. Testing from Bhagirathpura water tank will be conducted again today at 12:30 PM. Health teams reach over 5,000 homes According to CMHO Dr. Madhav Prasad Hasani, 61 teams including nursing officers, CHOs, ASHA, and ANM workers visited homes for real-time surveys. In two days, teams reached 5,013 homes and contacted 24,786 people, providing guidance. Medicines and Clinvate drops were distributed at each household. High Court comments on water crisis On Tuesday, the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court heard five petitions on contaminated drinking water. The court strongly criticised the administration, saying the city’s reputation has been severely damaged. The court stated that clean water is a fundamental right for citizens across the state. Officials failing in this duty could face civil and criminal liability. The court may also direct further compensation if victims received inadequate support. Congress leaders visit victims’ homes State Congress president Jitu Patwari and Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar visited Bhagirathpura on Tuesday afternoon. They met families of deceased Ashok Lal Pawar, Jeevan Lal, and Geeta Bai. Police had deployed large forces and barricaded roads. Congress leaders had a brief argument with officers before entering through an alternate route. Patwari demanded resignations of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, and Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav, citing responsibility for the water crisis in Indore.