Indore’s Bagirathpura Residents Reveal How Contaminated Water Turned Deadly

Indore: The tragic water crisis in Bagirathpura, Indore has claimed over 10 lives and left hundreds of residents severely ill. Local citizens allege that repeated complaints about contaminated water were ignored for months, turning their everyday water supply into a “poison” that spread disease across the neighborhood.

Residents Speak Out
Speaking to Navbharat Times on the ground, residents expressed their anger at local authorities. “Our councillor is rude; had he addressed our complaints, these deaths could have been prevented,” said one resident. People revealed that despite repeated reports to the municipal authorities and the ward councillor, no action was taken. Only after people began dying did the administration wake up.

Investigations showed that a Narmada water pipe had been laid in a chamber that later developed leaks. These leaks allowed contaminated water, mixed with nearby drainage runoff, to reach homes.

Months of Negligence
According to residents, water quality in Bagirathpura had been deteriorating over the past six months. Initially, taps delivered water with a slight odor and visible impurities, which people assumed was temporary. However, contamination worsened over time. In the past 10–15 days, residents began experiencing severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever, leading to a public health emergency.

Widespread Sickness Across Households
Almost every home in the area has reported at least one or two members falling ill, with women, children, and the elderly being the worst affected. In some families, three members were hospitalized simultaneously. Over 250 patients have been admitted across various hospitals.

Negligence in Infrastructure Work
Residents allege that recent construction work connecting the drainage line and the Narmada water pipeline was executed carelessly. In multiple locations, the Narmada pipeline was laid directly above the drainage line, creating a hazardous situation. During rainfall, overflow from the drains mixes with the drinking water, sending contaminated water directly into homes. Despite reporting this dangerous cross-connection to the councillor and contractors, no preventive action was taken.

Rain Exacerbates the Crisis
Many streets in Bagirathpura are below road level, causing knee-deep waterlogging during rains. With poor maintenance of drainage, the stagnant water accelerates the spread of infection. Locals state that this is a long-standing issue of over 20–25 years, recurring every monsoon without any permanent solution.

Families Struggle in Hospitals
Families of hospitalized patients are exhausted and fearful. One woman said her mother has been admitted for three days and was shifted to the ICU as her condition worsened. Children continue to suffer from severe vomiting and diarrhea, with medications providing little relief. Even after water supply was stopped, no alternative clean water arrangements were provided, forcing residents to use contaminated water.

Administration Finally Responds
Following the spike in illnesses and deaths, municipal authorities have started cleaning campaigns, washing streets, and inspecting pipelines. However, residents question why these steps were not taken 10 days earlier, which they believe could have saved at least 13 lives.