What Are the Latest Developments in the MP Water Tragedy?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Madhya Pradesh High Court has summoned the Chief Secretary regarding the Indore water crisis.
- The court has raised concerns over reported fatalities and the government's response.
- At least 38 new cases of health issues linked to contaminated water have been reported.
- Discrepancies exist between government reports and local health officials regarding the number of deaths.
- Public health safety remains a critical concern in Indore.
Indore, Jan 6 (NationPress) The Madhya Pradesh High Court, during the proceedings concerning Indore's water pollution case on Tuesday, expressed skepticism regarding the state government's report that stated four fatalities related to the incident. The court has mandated that a revised report be submitted by January 15.
While reviewing three distinct Public Interest Litigations (PILs) linked to the case, the divisional bench, consisting of Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi, remarked on the “serious negligence” displayed by the state government amid the health crisis in Indore.
The bench indicated its desire to hear from the Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh regarding the matter, who is expected to respond by the next hearing.
“The Court has raised concerns about the state government's report submitted on January 2, instructing the authorities to present a new report. Furthermore, the court has summoned Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary Anurag Jain to attend via video conference during the upcoming hearing on January 15,” stated Ritesh Inani, the advocate behind the three PILs.
During the hearing, senior advocate Ajay Bagadiya, representing one of the PILs, argued that a serious accusation was made suggesting that newly appointed IAS officers are assigned to Indore, treating it as a mere opportunity for personal gain before departing.
Following demands from the lawyers representing the PILs for clarity on the number of casualties resulting from the consumption of tainted water in the Bhagirathpura region, the court voiced deep concern over the drinking water crisis in Indore, emphasizing that the contamination issue is a “grave threat” to the health of the entire city.
According to the Indore district administration, at least 38 new cases of vomiting and diarrhea linked to contaminated drinking water were reported from the Bhagirathpura area on Monday, with a total of 110 patients currently hospitalized, including 15 in ICU.
Significantly, while the state government asserts that only four deaths have occurred in Indore's Bhagirathpura area, Indore Divisional Commissioner Sudam Khade informed the media on Monday that the health department had recorded seven fatalities thus far.