The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday heard petitions related to the water contamination incident in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area, during which the state government informed the court that it has filed a status report on the matter.
Indore High Court Bar Association President Ritesh Inani said that during the hearing, both the state government and the Indore Municipal Corporation presented their responses before the court. He added that the status report, submitted earlier today, contains details on the number of deaths, patients in critical condition admitted to ICUs, and those currently hospitalised due to the contaminated water.
“The court has fixed 06 January for hearing the status report,” Inani said, adding that all three petitions related to the incident will be taken up together that day.
He emphasised that the primary demand of the petitioners is to ensure the supply of clean and safe drinking water to every citizen of Indore. The petitioners have also called for strict action against those responsible for the contamination, stating that accountability, including punishment of officials, is necessary to prevent such a serious incident from recurring in the city.
Death toll rises to 5
The death toll in the incident has risen to five, with the number of hospitalised patients reaching 210.
Indore Collector Shivam Verma confirmed today that 210 people had been admitted so far. He added that district administration teams are conducting door-to-door surveys in affected localities to identify people showing symptoms linked to contaminated drinking water.
Verma said, “… So far 5 deaths have occurred… Till yesterday, 201 people were admitted, today 9 more people have been admitted, and the number has risen to 210. The team is conducting a door-to-door survey. An investigation is being carried out around the areas where cases have been reported. Our objective is to provide immediate medical care to those showing symptoms of this… Everyone should drink boiled water, and if you notice any symptoms, contact our team…”
The deaths have raised serious concerns over public health and civic accountability, prompting judicial scrutiny of the state government and municipal authorities’ response to the crisis.
Show cause notices to senior civic officials
The state government has taken strict administrative action following the contaminated drinking water incident in Indore.
In a post on social media, the Chief Minister said a high-level review meeting was held today morning with the Chief Secretary and other senior officials to assess the steps being taken to address the situation.
According to the Chief Minister, directions have been given to issue show cause notices to the Indore Municipal Commissioner and the Additional Commissioner over the incident. He added that the Additional Commissioner has been directed to be immediately removed from Indore, while the in-charge Executive Engineer has been relieved of responsibilities related to the water distribution department.
The Chief Minister also directed that all essential vacant posts in the Indore Municipal Corporation be filled immediately to ensure effective functioning and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.