The drinking water contamination tragedy in Indore has shattered public trust in the city’s municipal tap supply, forcing residents, many from low- and middle-income households, to rely on bottled water at their own expense.
The outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea in Bhagirathpura, triggered by contaminated drinking water, has officially claimed six lives and hospitalised over 200 people, though residents and local leaders put the death toll between 10 and 16, including a six-month-old child. The crisis has unfolded in Indore, repeatedly ranked India’s cleanest city for nearly a decade.
Fear has gripped neighbourhoods as residents refuse to drink tap water without proof of safety. “We will not drink municipal water unless we are assured it is clean,” said Sunita, a resident of Marathi Mohalla, adding that her family is now purchasing water jars costing ₹20–30 each. She said residents had complained of dirty water for years, often resorting to alum treatment and boiling as precautionary measures.
The distrust runs so deep that even roadside tea vendors have switched to bottled water to reassure customers. “We are using bottled water to make tea, but we have not increased prices,” said tea stall owner Tushar Verma.
Also read: Lab test confirms dirty water led to Indore diarrhoea outbreak
The district administration has launched an awareness drive in Bhagirathpura through non-governmental organisation workers, advising residents to boil water for at least 15 minutes and to rely only on water supplied through municipal tankers. Chlorination of pipelines and tube wells is underway to eliminate pathogens, officials said.
Indore Collector Shivam Verma said the situation was being closely monitored and measures were in place to prevent a resurgence. The state government has told the High Court that the outbreak is now under effective control, with continuous surveillance.
Indore draws its water from the Narmada river through pipelines from Jalud in neighbouring Khargone district, nearly 80 km away, and supplies water on alternate days.
Following the crisis, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav ordered the removal of the municipal commissioner and suspended senior officials responsible for water distribution, signalling accountability amid mounting public anger.
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