Indore, long celebrated as India’s cleanest city, is grappling with a severe water contamination crisis that has shaken public trust in municipal supply. Following an outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea in Bhagirathpura, six people have died and over 200 have been hospitalized, though locals claim the toll could be as high as 16.

Residents of affected areas are now avoiding tap water entirely, with many purchasing bottled water at their own expense. Sunita, a resident of Marathi Mohalla, said her family spends Rs 20-30 per water jar, while also boiling and adding alum to tap water for safety. She claimed complaints about dirty water for the past two to three years had largely gone unheard.

The crisis has even impacted small businesses, with tea stall owners using bottled water to prepare beverages to reassure customers. Tushar Verma, a stall owner, noted that despite the added cost, tea prices have not been increased. The move reflects deep-seated fear and mistrust among the city’s residents.

Also Read: "Our Cries Were Ignored": Bereaved Indore Families Blame Fatal Negligence for Contaminated Water Outbreak

In response, local authorities have launched an awareness campaign in Bhagirathpura, urging people to boil water for at least 15 minutes and rely only on municipal tankers currently supplying safe drinking water. Chlorination of pipelines and tube wells is also underway to eradicate bacterial contamination.

Indore’s water comes from the Narmada river, brought 80 kilometers via pipelines from Jalud in Khargone district. The city receives tap water on alternate days, complicating immediate access to safe water for residents. Authorities continue minute-to-minute monitoring to prevent further outbreaks.

The state government has taken strict action, transferring the municipal commissioner and suspending two senior officials of the Public Health Engineering department. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav emphasized that the situation is under control, but public trust remains fragile amid reports of rising fatalities.

Also Read: Sigachi CEO Arrested Over Deadly Plant Blast That Claimed 54 Lives