Indore, Dec 31 (NationPress) In a decisive move, the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has responded to the alarming public health crisis in the Bhagirathpura locality, where contaminated drinking water has led to a surge in illnesses and fatalities.

Displaying significant concern over the negligence that compromised the safety of citizens, a vacation bench led by Justice Rajesh Kumar Gupta and Justice B.P. Sharma has mandated that the state government ensure totally free medical treatment for all individuals affected.

The court firmly stated that any leniency in issues pertaining to public health will not be tolerated.

This intervention came after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) submitted earlier by Ritesh Inani, President of the Indore High Court Bar Association, brought to light the alleged inadequacies of the administration in providing clean and safe drinking water in a prominent city like Indore, which he characterized as a basic civic duty.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation and the imminent risk to lives, the vacation bench treated the matter as urgent and demanded accountability from the relevant authorities.

In a statement to IANS, advocate Inani noted that the court had not only mandated free treatment for all hospitalized victims but also instructed the Madhya Pradesh government to deliver a detailed status report by January 2, 2026.

This report is expected to outline the precise number of fatalities linked to the contamination, the current number of patients receiving treatment, actions taken to manage the outbreak, and long-term strategies proposed to avert a recurrence.

According to the court's submissions, the crisis stemmed from a leak in the main Narmada water supply pipeline, which was reportedly tainted by sewage due to an overhead toilet.

Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava informed the media that seven deaths linked to severe vomiting and diarrhea caused by the polluted water have been confirmed. Nevertheless, some reports indicate that the number could be as high as nine, while local residents suggest the death toll may be greater.

Officials reported that over 110 patients remain hospitalized, with approximately 36 having been discharged following treatment.

Administrative surveys encompassed 2,703 households and an estimated 12,000 residents, with immediate treatment provided to 1,146 individuals showing mild symptoms.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced financial support for the families of the deceased and ordered the suspension of three municipal officials pending an investigation into the matter.

The High Court's prompt action has escalated pressure on civic authorities, with attention now turning to the status report due for submission to the court amid rising demands for accountability in what is often hailed as India's cleanest city.