Indore, Jan 1 (NationPress) Senior Congress leader and former minister Mukesh Nayak has made alarming accusations against the BJP-led Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC). He claims that the misappropriation of funds from the Centre's Jal Jeevan Mission has left over 40,000 residents consuming contaminated drinking water in the last six months.

In an interview with IANS, Nayak, who oversees the Madhya Pradesh Congress media department, asserted that the IMC has inadequately laid pipelines for new water connections in numerous residential zones, causing sewer lines to mix with Narmada water supply pipelines.

He further accused the IMC of failing to complete the tender process for installing new water pipelines, despite funds being allocated by the Centre through the Jal Jeevan Mission.

“In the last six months, new water line tenders were announced three times but were cancelled due to conflicts among local BJP leaders in Indore,” Nayak stated.

He alleged that irregularities in the use of central funds for the water program have led to numerous deaths and widespread illness.

“At least 13 individuals have died thus far, with around 700 people receiving treatment in various hospitals,” Nayak informed IANS.

However, official statistics vary. The state government has reported four deaths as of Wednesday, while Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav mentioned that about seven people have lost their lives in this incident.

The ongoing crisis has also highlighted poor coordination between Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav and senior IMC officials. Madhya Pradesh Urban Administration and Housing Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya acknowledged a lapse.

“We have pinpointed the area where drinking water was contaminated due to a sewer connection. Inspections are ongoing in other locations, and the issue will be addressed soon. However, it has been noted that there was insufficient coordination between the Mayor and municipal officials, and appropriate action will be taken,” Vijayvargiya told reporters.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, along with Vijayvargiya, conducted a late-night visit to hospitals on Wednesday and held a high-level review meeting. The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure the prompt supply of clean drinking water in all affected areas.

“An investigation is underway, and I am ready to take stringent action against those accountable for the Bhagirathpura water tragedy,” Yadav stated, adding that patients are being treated in nearly 30 hospitals across Indore. He remarked that it would take time to determine the exact casualty count.

According to the Indore district administration, around 40,000 residents of Bhagirathpura were screened over the past three days. Out of these, 2,456 individuals were found to be suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea and received first-aid treatment at home.

Official data released late Wednesday indicated that 212 patients were hospitalized, with at least 30 admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) across various hospitals.