Tragic Death of 2-Year-Old Sia in Indore Highlights Contaminated Water Crisis

Indore, Madhya Pradesh: The heartbreaking death of two-year-old Sia Prajapati in Bagirathpura, Indore, has shaken the local community. The toddler succumbed to severe liver infection and pneumonia after consuming contaminated water that caused vomiting and diarrhea. Her father, Suraj Prajapati, recounts the last month of her life with grief, describing how the lively child affectionately ran to hug him whenever he returned from work.

A Long-Awaited Daughter Lost

Sia’s father shared, “My daughter was born after many prayers and was very playful. We lovingly called her ‘Laddu’ at home. After her passing, my wife has been devastated and cries constantly. We cannot forget the moments we spent with her.”

Sia had been completely healthy before falling ill at the end of December. On 27 December, she developed diarrhea and vomiting, prompting her parents to seek medical attention. Despite initial treatment, her condition worsened, leading to her admission at the Chacha Nehru Government Hospital, where doctors discovered pus accumulation in her liver caused by a severe systemic infection.

Administrative Hurdles and Ayushman Card Activation

During this critical period, the family faced difficulties activating Sia’s Ayushman Bharat health card due to KYC documentation requirements. Suraj Prajapati noted that he had to approach the CM Helpline twice before the card was activated. Even then, he stressed, “No financial aid can fill the void left by the loss of my child.”

The family received free treatment at both government hospitals, though they had to purchase certain medicines externally. The Madhya Pradesh government has announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh per family for over 20 families affected by the outbreak, though some of the deaths were reportedly due to other causes.

Contaminated Water Outbreak Claims 35 Lives

Local residents claim that the contaminated water outbreak, which began in late December, has so far claimed 35 lives. In response, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has ordered a judicial inquiry headed by former judge Sushil Kumar Gupta to investigate the water contamination crisis.

This tragedy underscores the urgent need for safe drinking water and timely public health interventions, especially for vulnerable children in Indore and surrounding areas.