Tragic Water Contamination in Indore: Eight Lives Lost Amidst Health Crisis

A severe health crisis in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has resulted in eight fatalities linked to contaminated water. The situation has prompted swift action from the state government, including the suspension of municipal officials. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has expressed deep sorrow and announced compensation for the victims' families. As investigations unfold, local leaders are demanding accountability for the tragic incident, raising serious concerns about the safety of drinking water in the city. This alarming outbreak began after residents reported unusual tastes and smells in the municipal water supply. Read on for more details about this unfolding crisis.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 31, 2025, 11:15 IST

Health Crisis in Indore

Indore: In Madhya Pradesh's Indore, the number of fatalities linked to contaminated water has tragically reached eight, following a surge of illnesses in the Bhagirathpura locality.

In response to this alarming situation, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has taken decisive action by suspending two municipal officials and terminating the employment of a public health engineer.

This decision was made late Tuesday night.

CM Yadav stated, "The incident in Bhagirathpura is heartbreaking. Zonal officer Saligram Sitole and Assistant Engineer Yogesh Joshi have been suspended, while Superintendent Engineer of PHE Shubham Srivastava has been dismissed immediately."

Earlier, the Chief Minister expressed his sorrow over the incident on social media, honoring the deceased and wishing a swift recovery for those receiving treatment. He also announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the victims and assured that the government would cover all medical expenses for the affected individuals, including reimbursements for any prior costs.

As of Tuesday, three individuals had succumbed to their ailments in various hospitals, but the death toll rose to eight by Wednesday, according to official reports.

Local MLA and Cabinet Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya visited hospitals late Monday to comfort grieving families and reaffirm the commitment to provide free medical care.

The outbreak began after residents reported a strange taste and odor in the municipal water supplied on December 25, raising significant concerns regarding the safety of drinking water in the area.

Jitu Patwari, the president of the Madhya Pradesh Congress, visited hospitals on Tuesday evening and held the Indore Municipal Commissioner accountable for the tragedy, demanding accountability for those responsible.

The Indore district Congress unit is expected to file a police report against the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) and Mayor Pushyamitara Bhargava later today. Patwari stated that he would instruct the district Congress president to file an FIR at the local police station.

"This represents a total failure of the Municipal Corporation. If drainage water contaminates drinking water pipelines, it can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and jaundice, but it shouldn't result in fatalities. It seems that a toxic substance has contaminated the drinking water supply, which warrants thorough investigation," Patwari remarked on Tuesday evening.