Indore, Jan 6 (NationPress) The Madhya Pradesh High Court (Indore Bench) on Monday sharply condemned the state's handling of the contaminated drinking water crisis in Indore's Bhagirathpura region, labeling the situation as a grave concern that has tarnished the reputation of India's cleanest city.

A bench consisting of Justice Vijay Shukla and Alok Awasthi noted that the authorities seem indifferent to the issue, especially since similar water quality challenges affect substantial parts of both the city and the state.

During the hearing of public interest litigations related to the outbreak, which has resulted in multiple fatalities and widespread illness, the bench ordered the Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh to appear virtually on January 15 to explain the actions taken, as safe drinking water is a fundamental right (right to life) under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.

The petitioners called for the establishment of civil and criminal liabilities, the formation of a high-level inquiry committee, and various forms of relief.

Emphasizing that the fundamental right to life under Article 21 includes access to clean drinking water, the court categorized potential reliefs into immediate measures, preventive and corrective actions, inquiry and accountability, disciplinary and penal proceedings, compensation for victims, directives to local authorities, and public awareness and transparency initiatives.

As interim measures, the court instructed the state and municipal corporation to ensure the provision of clean water at government cost, halt the use of contaminated sources (including identified pipelines), and offer free treatment in government and empaneled private hospitals.

For long-term prevention, authorities were tasked with engaging NABL-accredited laboratories for testing, replacing pipelines that run parallel to sewer lines, and implementing online water quality monitoring systems.

The state and corporation have been directed to submit a new, comprehensive status report and response ahead of the next hearing.

The Municipal Corporation updated the court on ongoing tanker supplies and commitments to provide optimal medical care for hospitalized patients.

The court expressed disappointment over the crisis in a city known for its cleanliness, where residents received contaminated water, leading to a serious public health emergency.

Petitioners argued that the water supply in Bhagirathpura is still unfit for consumption despite interventions, noting that residents' earlier complaints were overlooked; they asserted that timely action and preventive measures could have averted the crisis.

Counsel for the petitioners further noted that a request for laying a new pipeline dates back to 2022, but lack of fund disbursement has resulted in continued dependence on outdated infrastructure.

References were made to water samples tested in 2017-18, where 59 out of 60 locations in the city were found non-potable by the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board, with minimal follow-up by the Indore Municipal Corporation.

Senior counsel for petitioners highlighted that the quality of supplied water has not seen significant improvement.

The proceedings are ongoing, with the court emphasizing accountability and robust safeguards to prevent future incidents amidst ongoing public health concerns.