Indore’s Reputation at Stake: High Court Summons Chief Secretary Over Contaminated Drinking Water

Indore: The Madhya Pradesh High Court has summoned the state’s Chief Secretary in connection with a case of contaminated drinking water in Indore. The hearing took place at the Indore Bench of the High Court, which noted that the incident has tarnished the city’s image. The Chief Secretary, Anurag Jain, is required to attend virtually during the next hearing scheduled for 15 January 2026.

City’s Clean Image Under Threat
Indore has long been recognized as one of India’s cleanest cities. However, the High Court observed that the recent incidents of contaminated drinking water have made national headlines, raising serious concerns. The court emphasized that access to safe drinking water is a fundamental issue and the contamination has brought unwanted attention to the city.

Fatalities Reported in Bagirathpura
Local residents in Bagirathpura report that 17 people have died due to consuming contaminated water, although the government has not yet released an official death toll. In the aftermath, the municipal commissioner was removed, and several officials were suspended.

Court Directives and Next Steps
The High Court stressed that this is not an issue limited to a single area but affects the entire city. Following a petition filed on 31 December, the court had directed the authorities to ensure safe drinking water for residents. The Chief Secretary will provide updates and explanations during the next hearing on 15 January, to address the citywide water safety concerns.