Indore contaminated water case — 45 hospitalised, 11 in ICU:Families worried over kidney, liver multi-organ failure; ‘Shudh Jal Abhiyan’ begins today

After 20 deaths linked to contaminated drinking water in Bhagirathpura, Indore, the situation is gradually stabilising. The number of new patients has started to decline, and a large number of affected people are being discharged after treatment. Health authorities, however, remain on high alert as several critically ill patients are still under intensive care. Patient numbers decline, 45 still hospitalised On Friday, 15 new diarrhoea patients reported to the OPD, of whom two were admitted. So far, a total of 414 patients have been hospitalised since the outbreak. Of these, 369 patients have recovered and been discharged. At present, 45 patients remain admitted. Eleven are in the ICU, and four are on ventilator support. Doctors said these critically ill patients are suffering from complications such as kidney and liver failure, along with multiple organ failure. Most of them are elderly and have pre-existing health conditions. A dedicated team of specialists is continuously monitoring their condition. High-level review meeting held A high-level review meeting was held late Friday evening in the presence of Additional Chief Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat Neeraj Mandloi and Indore district in-charge Additional Chief Secretary Anupam Rajan. Senior officials including Commissioner Dr. Sudam Khade, Collector Shivam Verma, Municipal Commissioner Kshitij Singhal, and other departmental officers attended the meeting. The situation in Bhagirathpura, ongoing treatment, water supply arrangements, and preventive measures were reviewed in detail. Statewide ‘Shudh Jal Abhiyan’ from January 10 Officials announced that a statewide ‘Shudh Jal Abhiyan’ will be launched from January 10. The campaign will prioritise safe and clean drinking water across Madhya Pradesh. Key focus areas include testing of all water sources, immediate corrective action wherever contamination is found, and large-scale public awareness. Taking the Bhagirathpura incident as a warning, the state government has directed continuous monitoring of water supply systems to prevent similar incidents in the future. Mandloi instructed the Municipal Corporation to remain fully alert at all times and ensure uninterrupted supply of safe drinking water. He said ensuring clean water would be the government’s highest priority. Key directions issued to officials Several important directions were issued during the meeting: One officer for every 50–100 houses Around 50,000 families in Bhagirathpura will be divided into 20–25 zones. One officer-in-charge will be deployed for every 50–100 houses. Self-help groups, especially involving local women, will be strengthened to ensure community participation. These teams will maintain regular contact with discharged patients, monitor medicines, and help prevent relapses. Water supply measures and safety steps Officials informed that all government borewells connected to the main pipeline have been sealed to prevent contamination. Testing has confirmed that the Bhagirathpura overhead water tank is safe. Water supply from this tank will resume from January 13. Despite clean test results, residents have been advised to continue drinking boiled water as a precautionary measure. Citywide monitoring and control room setup Water quality monitoring will be expanded beyond Bhagirathpura to the entire Indore city. Electronic water analysers will be installed on 105 overhead tanks. A dedicated control room will be set up for real-time monitoring. Priority work includes inspection of sewage lines, repair of main pipelines, prevention of leakage from chambers, sealing and plastering works, and long-term infrastructure solutions. Health dept support on ground The Health Department is distributing medical kits in the affected area. Each kit contains 10 ORS packets and 30 zinc tablets. Ambulances have been deployed round-the-clock, and doctors are on 24×7 duty. Patients are being referred to MY Hospital, Aurobindo Hospital, and children to Chacha Nehru Hospital when required. For those opting for private hospitals, the district administration is arranging free treatment, tests, and medicines. Information pamphlets on preventing vomiting and diarrhoea are also being distributed. Water distribution, chlorination and cleaning drive Drinking water is being supplied through tankers where required. Through 32 monitoring beats set up by the Municipal Corporation, daily reviews of water quality, sanitation, and cleanliness drives are being conducted. Pipeline flushing is underway, residual chlorine levels in Narmada water are being checked at consumer points, and around 450 private borewells are also being chlorinated. Drainage chambers, backlanes, and surrounding areas are being thoroughly cleaned. Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya inspects area Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya visited Bhagirathpura on Friday afternoon along with senior municipal officials. He held a meeting near the water tank, reviewed arrangements, inspected drainage and Narmada pipeline work, and issued necessary instructions. Municipal Commissioner Kshitij Singhal said teams from the Municipal Corporation and Health Department are working continuously. Sector-wise flushing and testing are ongoing, and deficiencies identified during trial supply are being rectified. Additional Chief Secretary Anupam Rajan said the incident was unfortunate, but the administration has drawn lessons from it. He assured that strict measures are being taken to ensure such a situation does not arise again and that safe drinking water and proper medical care remain top priorities.