Indore: The drinking water contamination crisis has resurfaced in parts of Indore district, with at least 22 people falling ill in Mhow tehsil after allegedly consuming contaminated water. The incident was reported from Chander Marg in Patti Bazaar area.
According to officials, nine of the affected individuals were hospitalised, while others are being treated at home under medical supervision. Patients reported symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea, with some also showing signs of jaundice, triggering fresh public concern in the wake of the recent fatal outbreak in Bhagirathpura.
Upon receiving information late Thursday night, Indore District Collector Shivam Verma rushed to the affected locality. He visited the hospital, interacted with patients and their families, and conducted an inspection of the area. The Collector directed doctors and health officials to ensure immediate and proper treatment for all affected persons, stressing zero tolerance for negligence.
Health department teams have been deployed at the site since early Friday. Officials are collecting and testing water samples to identify the source of contamination and to prevent further spread of the illness.
The District Collector’s official social media handle shared photographs of Verma visiting patients at the hospital. Regional MLA Usha Thakur also reached the hospital, met the affected families, and assured them of full support from the local administration.
The latest incident comes just weeks after a major waterborne disease outbreak in Bhagirathpura, where contaminated drinking water linked to bacterial infection, including E. coli, led to widespread illness. A status report submitted by the Madhya Pradesh government to the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on January 15 confirmed seven deaths in that incident, including a five-month-old infant.
Taking serious note, the High Court questioned the extent of contamination, ordered preservation of relevant records, and sought fresh reports amid ongoing public interest litigations.
Meanwhile, residents of Mhow have alleged long-standing issues with leaking water pipelines running through dirty drains, allowing sewage to mix with drinking water. Locals claimed that muddy and foul-smelling water has been supplied for weeks. Children and the elderly are reported to be the worst affected, with several families stating that multiple members have fallen ill.