What is the status of the Indore water crisis after the MP government report?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Four fatalities confirmed due to contaminated water.
- Nearly 200 individuals hospitalized, with 35 in ICU.
- Authorities instructed to supply clean water via tankers.
- Next court hearing set for January 6.
- Contamination caused by a pipeline leak.
Indore, Jan 2 (NationPress) The government of Madhya Pradesh presented a detailed status report to the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday concerning the ongoing issue of contaminated water in the Bhagirathpura area of the city.
This comprehensive report, spanning approximately 15 pages, officially confirmed that four individuals have lost their lives due to the consumption of tainted water.
Moreover, it was reported that nearly 200 individuals are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals, with 35 of them in intensive care units.
The case arose from a Public Interest Litigation initiated by advocate Ritesh Inani, who serves as the president of the Indore High Court Bar Association, and was reviewed by the division bench of Justice Dwarka Dhish Bansal and Justice Rajendra Kumar Vani.
Petitioner Ritesh Inani criticized the government's submission as being delivered at the last moment in a hurried manner. “The government has released its report, which states that only four people have died due to the contaminated water supplied to them. The report, which consists of around 15 pages, indicates that approximately 200 individuals are hospitalized, with 35 in the ICU of various hospitals. The court has scheduled the next hearing for January 6,” Inani stated.
An intervenor in the case requested the court to impose restrictions on media reporting concerning the matter to curb misinformation. However, the bench chose not to comment on this request.
While official figures confirm four deaths, unverified reports suggest that the actual toll could be as high as 15.
Authorities have been instructed to continue delivering clean water via tankers and to provide necessary medical assistance in light of this public health emergency.
Despite being recognized as India’s cleanest city for eight consecutive years, Indore is currently grappling with a significant public health crisis, as contaminated drinking water in the Bhagirathpura region has resulted in multiple fatalities and widespread illness.
The issue has arisen due to sewage contamination of the municipal water supply, attributed to a pipeline leak near a poorly constructed toilet, leading to an outbreak of acute diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.