Indore Water Contamination: Bacteria from Sewage Found in Drinking Supply?

Early reports from an inquiry into the deaths of residents in Indore's Bhagirathpura area have confirmed the presence of bacteria "generally found in sewer water" in drinking water samples, officials said on Thursday. The findings come three days after the first victims were admitted to hospitals with vomiting and diarrhoea.

Authorities suspect the contamination occurred due to a sewage pipeline leaking into a drinking water line, though specific pathogens are yet to be identified. The total death toll has risen to 14, with at least nine confirmed as caused by diarrhoea linked to contaminated water. Over 150 residents are receiving treatment in hospitals, while 2,456 people have reported symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhoea, and 162 remain hospitalised.

According to local officials, residents first complained about an unusual smell in the water on December 25, although problems had been ongoing for several weeks. Additional Chief Secretary Sanjay Dubey, heading the probe committee, confirmed that other deaths in the area were due to co-morbidities or accidents and not linked to water contamination.

Medical authorities from Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College confirmed that initial tests showed harmful bacteria in the water, and stool test reports of affected patients are awaited to pinpoint the exact cause. CMHO Dr Madhav Hasani said, "The water was contaminated due to a leak in the pipeline, which caused people to fall ill and, in some cases, die."

The incident has drawn the attention of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which issued a notice to the Madhya Pradesh government, citing serious violations of the victims' human rights. The NHRC has asked for a detailed report within two weeks.

Officials are taking immediate action to prevent further contamination. Dubey inspected the area, directed the municipal corporation to conduct random water sampling across the city, and said lapses in pipeline maintenance are being investigated.

Meanwhile, MP Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya apologised for using an objectionable word in a media interaction about the outbreak. He handed over compensation cheques of ₹2 lakh each to the families of four victims and promised further relief after health department verification.

Residents continue to receive medical care, and authorities are working to ensure that drinking water in Indore is safe and contamination-free.