Fresh water contamination scare in Indore as over 20 fall sick in Mhow area
PTC Web Desk: More than 20 persons have reported illness after drinking contaminated water in Indore’s Mhow area, triggering fresh concern just weeks after a deadly outbreak of water-borne diseases in the district.
Officials said at least 22 residents complained of symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea after consuming drinking water supplied in the area. Nine of them have been admitted to hospital, while others are receiving treatment at home under medical observation. Authorities fear the number of cases may rise further as similar complaints have surfaced from nearby localities.
The district administration stepped in late Thursday night after reports of illness began to emerge. District Collector Shivam Verma visited the hospital to check on patients and review the situation. Health department teams were rushed to the affected areas and have been providing medical support since Friday morning.
On Saturday, officials launched a door-to-door survey in the impacted neighbourhoods to trace new cases at the earliest. Patients are being categorised based on the severity of symptoms to ensure timely and appropriate treatment.
The latest incident has revived memories of the recent water contamination crisis in Indore, during which several people fell seriously ill and as many lost their lives. While official records confirm at least 15 deaths, local residents claim the toll may be closer to 25, with many victims suffering from severe diarrhoea and dehydration.
The issue has reached the Madhya Pradesh High Court, where the state government informed the Bench that a high-level committee has been formed to investigate the contamination, identify those responsible and suggest preventive measures. However, petitioners argued that the panel was merely a formality and accused the administration of trying to protect senior officials.
Earlier, the government told the High Court that bacterial contamination in drinking water had caused the outbreak. Tests conducted on 51 tube wells in the Bhagirathpura area confirmed the presence of E. coli bacteria, indicating serious lapses in water safety.
Meanwhile, the administration has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of 21 affected victims as the investigation continues.
- With inputs from agencies
