Pipeline Leak Causes Sewage Mixing, Claims 11 Lives in Indore
Preventable contamination tragedy claims lives in India's cleanest city.
A devastating water contamination crisis in Indore's Bhagirathpura locality has resulted in 11 deaths and affected over 1,400 residents, exposing severe administrative negligence despite the city's reputation as India's cleanest. Investigations have identified a leak in the main drinking water pipeline near a public toilet adjacent to the local police outpost as the source, allowing sewage to infiltrate the supply and cause widespread illness.
Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav confirmed evidence of contamination from the pipeline leakage, stating that such lapses would face strict consequences. Urban Administration Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya corroborated that sewage mixing occurred due to the breach, while health authorities at MGM Medical College verified through water samples that consumption of the tainted supply directly led to the fatalities and hospitalizations.
The tragedy was flagged as preventable, with records showing a tender for replacing the Bhagirathpura pipeline issued in August 2025 at a cost of Rs 2.4 crore, prompted by ongoing complaints of foul-smelling and dirty water. Despite the urgency, no repairs or contract execution occurred until deaths began mounting, prompting a delayed opening of the tender and emergency response.
Also Read: Indore Water Crisis: One Dead, Dozens Ill After Drinking Contaminated Supply
Residents reported persistent ignored complaints, with individuals like Preeti Sharma and Omprakash highlighting futile appeals to local officials about muddy and odorous tap water. Sources within the water department described the situation as systemic abandonment, exacerbated by delays in major projects under AMRUT 2.0, worth Rs 1,700 crore, where several packages remain stalled in tendering amid weak monitoring of sewage-water intersections in older areas.
The National Human Rights Commission has intervened, issuing notices to Madhya Pradesh authorities for a detailed report, deeming the alleged disregard of complaints a grave human rights violation. A probe committee led by the Additional Chief Secretary has been established, with suspensions of lower officials, though questions persist on the prolonged inaction prior to the escalating deaths.
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