Indore, Jan 2: A diarrhoea outbreak linked to contaminated drinking water in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area has triggered concern and confusion over the actual number of fatalities, even as hundreds remain hospitalised. Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava said on January 2 that he had received information suggesting at least 10 deaths connected to the outbreak, a figure higher than what has been officially confirmed so far.
Citing health department data, Bhargava told PTI that four deaths had been formally recorded due to the outbreak. However, he acknowledged receiving reports indicating a higher toll. Adding to the uncertainty, local residents have claimed that at least 14 people, including a six-month-old infant, have died during the crisis. These claims have not yet been corroborated by the health department.
Questions have also been raised about the possibility of a cholera outbreak after preliminary test results of drinking water samples indicated contamination. Responding to these concerns, the mayor said that only the health department was authorised to comment on medical diagnoses and laboratory findings.
Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Madhav Prasad Hasani confirmed that laboratory tests conducted at a city medical college found contamination in the drinking water supply in Bhagirathpura. He said the contamination was caused by a leakage in a pipeline but did not share detailed findings from the report. Administrative officials have similarly refrained from providing specific information.
According to officials, the leakage was detected in the main drinking water pipeline near a police outpost in Bhagirathpura, at a site where a toilet has been constructed. The breach is believed to have allowed sewage to mix with the drinking water supply, leading to the outbreak.
The health crisis has affected more than 1,400 people in the locality over the past nine days, with residents reporting symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea. As of Thursday night, 272 patients had been admitted to hospitals, of whom 71 have been discharged. Health officials said 201 patients remain under treatment, including 32 who are currently in intensive care units.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as pressure mounts for clearer disclosures and urgent measures to prevent further spread of the illness.
