News Report:
Indore, Madhya Pradesh: Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava on January 2 said he has received information indicating that 10 people have died in connection with a diarrhoea outbreak caused by contaminated drinking water in the city’s Bhagirathpura area, even as official health department figures confirm a lower death toll.
Speaking to the media, Mayor Bhargava said that according to data provided by the health department, four deaths have been officially confirmed so far. However, he claimed to have received reports suggesting that the actual number of deaths linked to the outbreak may be higher.
Local residents have alleged that at least 14 people, including a six-month-old infant, have died during the ongoing health crisis. These claims, however, have not yet been officially confirmed by the health authorities.
When questioned about the possibility of a cholera outbreak, based on preliminary test reports of drinking water samples, the Mayor said that only the health department is authorised to provide details on that matter.
Meanwhile, the Dr Madhav Prasad Hasani, Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of Indore, stated that laboratory test reports from a city medical college have confirmed contamination in the drinking water supply in Bhagirathpura. According to him, the contamination occurred due to a leakage in a water supply pipeline. However, detailed findings of the report have not been disclosed so far.
Officials said the leakage was detected in the main drinking water pipeline near a police outpost in Bhagirathpura, at a location where a toilet has been constructed. They claimed that the leakage resulted in sewage mixing with the drinking water supply, triggering the outbreak.
The diarrhoea outbreak has affected more than 1,400 residents over the past nine days, with patients reporting symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea. As of Thursday night, 272 patients were admitted to hospitals, of whom 71 have been discharged.
According to health department officials, 201 patients are currently undergoing treatment, including 32 patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Medical teams continue to monitor the situation, while civic authorities have initiated measures to repair the pipeline and provide safe drinking water to affected residents.
