Indore, Jan 4 (NationPress) In the midst of the persistent water contamination crisis affecting the Bhagirathpura neighborhood, which has tragically led to several fatalities and impacted countless individuals, a recent laboratory analysis from Sri Aurobindo Medical College and PG Institute has delivered a positive update: five water samples have been confirmed negative for critical waterborne pathogens.

Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya shared these findings via his X account, stating, "With the guidance of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, along with Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava and Divisional Commissioner Dr. Sudam P. Khade, the effective outcomes of chlorination and other initiatives for purifying drinking water in Bhagirathpura are now evident."

The report from the Central Clinical Molecular Laboratory, dated January 4, evaluated samples collected from Bhagirathpura using the RT-PCR technique.

All five samples (S-01 to S-05), each 25 ml in sterile bottles, returned negative results for bacterial pathogens including E. coli O157, Generic E. coli, Vibrio cholerae, and Salmonella, as well as viral pathogens such as Rotavirus and Enterovirus.

The interpretation indicates, "These outcomes reveal that the RT-PCR analysis of all five water samples showed negative results for the targeted bacterial pathogens (E. coli O157, Generic E. coli, Vibrio cholerae, and Salmonella) and viral pathogens (Rotavirus and Enterovirus)."

However, the report advises, "Further verification of water quality should be pursued through culture-based microbiological assessment and routine physicochemical testing."

This positive development comes in light of the crisis that began in late December 2025, stemming from sewage intermingling with drinking water pipelines, reportedly due to a leak near a police outpost toilet lacking a proper septic tank.

Residents had reported foul-smelling, discolored tap water for several months. The outbreak has resulted in widespread cases of diarrhea and vomiting, with an official death toll of four and over 200 reported illnesses, including many requiring intensive care.

Authorities have addressed the leakage, provided tanker water supplies, suspended specific officials, and commenced investigations.

While earlier tests from other laboratories indicated bacterial contamination in some samples, this advanced RT-PCR analysis from one of Indore's leading institutions suggests that these specific dangerous pathogens are absent in the tested samples. Health officials continue to recommend that residents boil water or utilize tanker supplies until full clearance is confirmed.

The crisis has undermined confidence in the municipal water supply in India’s "cleanest city," prompting comprehensive city-wide pipeline inspections and announcements of compensation.