Indore, Dec 30 (NationPress) The count of individuals experiencing severe stomach pain, vomiting, and various other symptoms of diarrhea linked to the intake of contaminated water in a residential area of Madhya Pradesh's capital, Indore, has escalated over the past three days.

The Urban Development Minister of the state and BJP leader, Kailash Vijayvargiya, revealed on Tuesday that a total of 66 patients are currently receiving treatment across several hospitals in the city.

In response to the situation, 22 medical teams, comprising senior doctors, have been dispatched to the affected area for health assessments.

"Currently, 66 individuals remain hospitalized and are undergoing treatment. Medical teams are conducting door-to-door health checks, and preliminary care is being provided to those affected," Minister Vijayvargiya remarked.

Vijayvargiya, who is actively monitoring the situation on the ground since late Monday night, stated, "All local private hospitals have been instructed to admit patients from Bhagirath colony without charging fees. They have also been advised to initiate treatment immediately."

Addressing the fatalities reported due to the alleged consumption of contaminated water, Minister Vijayvargiya indicated that "at least two to three individuals have lost their lives. Further updates will follow."

Residents fell ill after drinking tainted water supplied through kitchen taps under the Narmada Jal Yojana in the Bhagirath residential colony.

Reports indicate that symptoms such as stomach pain and vomiting have been emerging for the past three days.

On Monday night, Minister Vijayvargiya visited various hospitals in Indore to assess the situation and instructed healthcare personnel to provide free treatment to all patients, as the state government has pledged to cover medical expenses.

Madhav Hasani, the Chief Medical and Health Officer for Indore district, informed IANS on Tuesday that health alerts had been received from private hospitals due to the increasing number of patients presenting similar symptoms from a specific area.

Hasani also mentioned that a door-to-door survey was conducted on Monday. "Initial evaluations indicate a significant likelihood that individuals have consumed contaminated water," he stated.

The rising number of patients over the last three days, along with two to three fatalities reported in the previous 24 hours, has instigated panic among residents of the Bhagirath area in Indore.

Meanwhile, the Indore Municipal Corporation has collected tap water samples from the area for laboratory testing.

The water sample results are still pending from the authorities as of Tuesday evening.