Indore: Laboratory investigations have confirmed that a leakage in the main drinking water pipeline in Bhagirathpura, Indore, led to a deadly diarrhoea outbreak that has claimed 13 lives and left around 200 people still hospitalised, officials said on Thursday. The outbreak affected more than 1,400 residents, exposing serious flaws in the city’s water supply system despite Indore being ranked India’s cleanest city for eight consecutive years.
Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Madhav Prasad Hasani said the lab report prepared by a local medical college confirmed that contaminated water, caused by a leakage beneath a toilet structure, was the source of the outbreak. “The contamination spread quickly in the area due to the compromised pipeline,” he said.
Additional Chief Secretary Sanjay Dubey stated that authorities are inspecting the entire water pipeline in Bhagirathpura to identify any further vulnerabilities. “Clean water has been restored, but residents are strongly advised to boil water before use. Water samples from multiple points have been sent for testing,” Dubey added.
The state government will issue a standard operating procedure (SOP) to prevent similar incidents across Madhya Pradesh. Dubey visited Bhagirathpura under the directives of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to review the situation and oversee remedial measures.
A survey conducted by the health department examined 8,571 people across 1,714 households in the affected area. While 338 people with mild diarrhoea and vomiting were treated at home, 272 required hospitalisation over the past week. Currently, around 200 patients remain admitted, including 32 in intensive care units.
