A week after a major health crisis erupted in Indore’s Bhagirathpur area, laboratory reports have confirmed that the contaminated drinking water contained a dangerous mixture of bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses, resulting in serious infections and multi-organ failure.
As per the latest update, more than 10 people have died, and over 200 residents have been hospitalised since the outbreak started on December 25. Doctors have told the Hindustan Times that delays in recognising the source and testing the samples may have deteriorated the condition of several patients.
Indore divisional commissioner Sudam Khade stated that, “the test report and culture report of 26 samples confirmed polymicrobial contamination…The culture report also confirmed the presence of E coli, Salmnella and Vibrio cholerae,” as quoted by Hindustan Times. He further added that resulting infections led to cases of multiorgan failure and sepsis.
Sewage leaks and old pipelines suspected behind the contamination
Untreated sewage from a damaged toilet outlet near a police outpost, along with several breaches in a decades-old water pipeline, likely allowed wastewater to mix with the drinking supply that was utilised nearly by 50,000 residents. Chemical analysis of the water is still going on to rule out other toxic substances.
Engineers expand investigation beyond toilet leak
The engineers and civic teams are spreading across the locality to trace the additional vulnerabilities in the pipeline system. One senior area engineer quoted in the in the Indian Express report said, “We earlier thought the contamination was from the toilet made at the local police chowki…Even though that’s a still a element, we are looking beyond that source.”
House-to-house survey and chlorine dosage is underway
Indore District Collector Shivam Verma stated to ANI that authorities have conducted surveys in nearly 5,000 houses. He also added that chlorine dosing has been done in all the borewells in the affected area. He said that 149 people are hospitalised and more than 200 patients have been discharged after recovering. Water samples have been collected for further investigation, and action will be taken after the reports are received, as reported by ANI.
The civic body has also launched a wider survey across Indore to identify pipeline leaks and to prevent fresh contamination incidents.
BJP-Congress clash
Meanwhile, the situation escalated political tensions on Saturday when Congress workers clashed with the BJP supporters. The incident took place during a visit by an opposition fact-finding team to the affected locality. As per a report by PTI, around 45 Congress members were detained on a temporary basis “as a precautionary measure.” They all were later released on bail. Congress has claimed obstruction by police, and the BJP alleged the opposition is exploiting the tragedy for political benefit. Authorities have stated that medical teams are stationed in the locality and monitoring will continue till the situation stabilise.
