Indore Residents Flee Bhagirathpura After Toxic Water Crisis, Return to Ancestral Villages

Indore: Following a deadly contamination of water in Bhagirathpura, several families have begun leaving the area and returning to their native villages. The recent incident, which caused illness and deaths, has left residents wary of drinking Narmada water, forcing them to rely on expensive RO water or water supplied via tankers.

Families Take Matters Into Their Own Hands
Three tenant families in Bhagirathpura have already returned to their villages, acting independently rather than following any government directive. The decision came after members of these families fell ill or witnessed their children suffering from water-borne illnesses.

One such head of the family, Surendra Rawat, who works as a daily-wage laborer in the industrial area, locked his rented room on December 31 and left for his village Shahpur in Sagar district. Surendra explained that his 13-year-old daughter had become severely ill after consuming contaminated water, costing him nearly ₹10,000 for treatment—his entire savings.

“My daughter was vomiting continuously and became very weak,” Surendra said. “I earn ₹300–400 a day, and the income isn’t even consistent. If my other children had also fallen sick, I wouldn’t have been able to afford it. So, I had no choice but to return to my native village.”

Residents Depend on Safe Water Sources
Locals report that while conditions in Bhagirathpura are gradually improving, people remain cautious. Most residents have stopped drinking Narmada water completely, opting instead for RO water at ₹20 per liter or tanker-supplied water, boiling it before use to ensure safety. One resident stated, “Everyone is now very careful. We are boiling water before use and avoiding any unnecessary risks.”

Challenges for Returning Families
Another family, Rajkumar and Imarti Rawat, also left Bhagirathpura for their native village, Karapur in Sagar. Rajkumar had fallen ill, and the couple had been living in a single rented room. Imarti said their landlord demanded rent despite their departure, leaving them financially strained due to Rajkumar’s medical expenses.

Widow Sheela, along with her two children, has temporarily returned to her village as well. Neighbors report that she will not return until local conditions stabilize.

The mass exodus highlights the continuing fear among residents over contaminated water and underscores the urgent need for safe drinking water in affected areas.