Contaminated water crisis in Mhow leaves residents alarmed:30 people sick, including 24 children; old leaking pipeline spreads disease across Chander Marg and Patti Bazaar areas

The series of deaths due to contaminated water in Indore continues unabated. So far, 27 people have died. 24 km away in Mhow, 30 people have fallen ill, including 24 children. The worst-affected areas include Chander Marg and Patti Bazaar, where a two-storey house has been converted into a temporary hospital to handle the emergency. Responsibility for water supply and sanitation in Mhow lies with the Cantonment Board. Unlike state or central government regulations, the Army’s rules govern the region, keeping officials on high alert as the outbreak spreads. Public warnings and health advisories When the Dainik Bhaskar team visited the affected area, Cantonment Board officials and health workers were actively issuing instructions. Residents were repeatedly advised to boil water before drinking. ASHA workers demonstrated boiling water in a large vessel until at least two whistles, emphasising that negligence could prove fatal. Pipeline leakage causes contamination Investigations revealed a major cause of the outbreak: a tube well pipeline passing through a drain had developed a leak. Contaminated water from the drain mixed with the drinking water, affecting homes along the route. Residents reported that the 10-year-old pipeline had not been properly maintained, with the resulting negligence directly contributing to the current crisis. Several children have been admitted to hospitals with illnesses linked to contaminated water. Parth Mukati (10), Divya Chauhan (10), Yatharth Mukati (10), and Purvish Arun Verma (9) are among those receiving treatment. Residents describe distressing conditions At a nearby street intersection, crowds gathered as residents reported ongoing illness in their families. One witness described the moment contaminated water flowed through the pipeline: ‘The stench was so strong it was difficult to stand. In no time, the entire pit filled with dirty yellow water.’ Authorities respond Cantonment and PHE officials took immediate action, collecting water samples and ordering a pipeline replacement. Water supply was suspended, and repair work began promptly. Key administrative officers, including Additional Collector Rinkesh Vaishya, SDM Rakesh Parmar, Tehsildar Vivek Soni, CMHO Dr. Madhav Hasani, and CEO Vikas Kumar, visited the area. They went door-to-door, informing residents about the temporary hospital and encouraging those affected to seek treatment. Collector Shivam Verma also assessed the situation on-site. Residents report previous complaints ignored Residents reported repeated complaints over months with little action. Firoz Khan said he lodged three online complaints over four months, yet his daughter contracted jaundice. Manav Sandal noted foul-smelling water since 13–14 January, causing his son to suffer from typhoid followed by jaundice. Vicky Chavre and Sudhir Chauhan echoed similar concerns, reporting children falling ill and hospitals admitting them due to contaminated water. Congress leader Amit Agarwal confirmed that complaints about the Narmada pipeline passing through drains were ignored, leading to the current health crisis. Officials pledge action Collector Shivam Verma assured the public that the situation is under control and patients are receiving treatment. He stated, “Negligence related to public health will not be tolerated. Action will be taken against those responsible based on the investigation report.” CEO Vikas Kumar highlighted infrastructure issues, including a 70-year-old pipeline and widespread encroachments. He said that the Cantonment Board and Health Department are working to clean the area and implement Amrit 2.0, which includes replacing old pipelines and laying new ones to prevent future contamination. Officials pledge action Collector Shivam Verma assured the public that the situation is under control and patients are receiving treatment. He stated, “Negligence related to public health will not be tolerated. Action will be taken against those responsible based on the investigation report.” CEO Vikas Kumar highlighted infrastructure issues, including a 70-year-old pipeline and widespread encroachments. He said that the Cantonment Board and Health Department are working to clean the area and implement Amrit 2.0, which includes replacing old pipelines and laying new ones to prevent future contamination.