At least 10 deaths and more than 150 hospitalisations have been reported due to the consumption of contaminated water in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area. Preliminary reports, which initially pointed towards a toxic substance or pesticide, now confirm the possibility of the presence of bacteria found in sewer water, as stated by reports. This incident has caused fury and action from both the Madhya Pradesh government and constitutional authorities.
What did the first water tests reveal?
Three days into the epidemic, sources familiar with the inquiry told Hindustan Times that preliminary lab tests had revealed abnormal levels of bacteria “generally found in sewer water” in the vicinity where the outbreak had occurred, as had previously been suspected.
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As per a report by the Hindustan Times, officials earlier said preliminary evidence had included a suspicion of the effluent from a sewage pipe entering a drinking water pipe. Although consistent with the results obtained so far, they clarified that the causative microbe has not been finalized as it is pending culture results.
Residents complained of foul smell in water before outbreak
Residents were alerted to the strange smells in the water on December 25. “The problems were going on for the past few weeks, but aggravated on December 25,” Hindustan Times quoted a resident as saying.
The number of those falling ill continues to rise. Currently, 2,456 residents have shown symptoms, with 162 remaining in the hospital, officials told Hindustan Times.
NHRC takes suo motu cognisance, seeks report from MP government
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu notice of the water contamination in Indore and asked the Madhya Pradesh government to submit a detailed report within two weeks. “Reportedly, the residents had been complaining about the supply of contaminated water for several days, but no action was taken by the authorities,” Hindustan Times quoted NHRC as saying in a statement.
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The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has also directed the state government to provide a detailed report on the incident. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has also stated that financial assistance in the amount of ₹2 lakh would be given to the families of people who passed away, and also all affected residents would be treated for free.
