Indore Water Crises: Deaths in India’s Cleanest City Raise Serious Questions on System Failure

A tragic incident in Indore, repeatedly ranked as India’s cleanest city, has exposed serious lapses in civic administration after contaminated drinking water claimed three lives and left over 100 people hospitalised. The incident occurred in the Bhagirathpura area, where polluted water reportedly entered the main drinking water pipeline, turning a basic necessity into a deadly threat for residents, most of whom belong to economically weaker sections. According to official figures, three deaths have been confirmed so far, though fears remain that the toll could rise. For several days, residents had complained about foul-smelling and dirty water, yet timely action was allegedly not taken. Questions are now being raised over why alternative water arrangements were not provided and why preventive measures were delayed despite prior warnings. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has taken cognisance of the incident and ordered strict action. Three officials have been suspended, one has been dismissed, and an inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the matter. The CM has stated that negligence affecting public health will not be tolerated. The case is particularly alarming as tenders to replace the old pipeline were reportedly floated in August but work had not begun. As investigations continue, the incident has sparked political debate and raised a fundamental question: if such a tragedy can occur in the country’s cleanest city, what does it say about the state of basic infrastructure elsewhere?

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