Bhopal’s groundwater turns ‘toxic’, iron content 100x above safe limits:Deadly bacteria similar to Indore case detected; foul smell chokes residents

In Indore’s Bhagirathpura, 20 people have died due to contaminated water containing dangerous bacteria like E. coli, fecal coliform, Vibrio cholerae, and protozoa. The same E. coli bacteria has also been found in Bhopal’s groundwater. In many areas of the capital, residents fear even touching the water. It is unsafe for drinking, washing hands, utensils, or even bathing. Water from taps often turns red within minutes, and the stench is unbearable. Dangerous bacteria found in Bhopal groundwater Tests show harmful bacteria in the groundwater of Adampur Chhawani, Haripura, Padariya, Shanti Nagar, Arjun Nagar, Kolua, Khanugaon, and Vajpayee Nagar. The population here is over 5,000. The water contains bacteria that can cause cancer, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis-A. The Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed these findings in its own report. Extremely high iron contaminants The iron content in this water is 100 times higher than safe limits. Drinking it can cause diseases like hemochromatosis. Levels of TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), calcium, total hardness, sulfate, and coliform bacteria are also very high. People forced to depend on tankers Residents are now relying on water tankers for drinking. Fruits and vegetables grown in these areas are also affected and enter Bhopal’s markets. Using contaminated water for irrigation is harming both crops and health. No safe handpumps in Padariya Padariya has about eight handpumps, but none provide safe water. Red bacteria are visible in the water. Shopkeeper Irfan Mian showed a glass of water filled from a handpump. He said, “Handpumps have been giving this poison for 10 years. We don’t drink it but use it to sprinkle on the ground.” Residents avoid using the groundwater for domestic purposes. Contaminated water used for crops Mahesh Uike from Shanti Nagar said, “We drink water from tankers. The groundwater is unsafe, but we are forced to use it for irrigation.” The Ghodapachhad canal water is also polluted. Waste dumping spoiling villages Environmentalist Dr. Subhash Pandey said Bhopal’s waste has been dumped at Adampur Cantonment since January 2018. The landfill now holds 1.4 million tons of waste. Chemical leakage, called leachate, is contaminating groundwater in seven villages. Cancer-causing metals found in water Reports by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), MP Pollution Control Board (MPCB), and Dr. Pandey confirm high levels of iron and chromium in groundwater. These metals can cause cancer. The CPCB report submitted to the Supreme Court in August 2025 stated that 9 out of 25 water parameters were extremely dangerous. Even water supplied via tankers has not been properly tested. Landfill overflowing with garbage Bhopal generates 850 tons of garbage daily. About 800 tons reach the Adampur landfill. The landfill can only process 420 tons, causing huge piles to accumulate. The waste includes 290 tons of soil and 510 tons of mixed garbage. Citizens at risk Residents of these areas are at constant risk of serious diseases due to contaminated water and soil. Despite awareness and complaints, the problem persists. Immediate action is needed to clean the groundwater and ensure safe drinking water for the population.