Indore Water Tragedy: MP Govt Admits 22 Deaths Amid Questions Over Failure

Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh government has admitted in the Assembly that 22 people have died so far after consuming contaminated drinking water in the Bhagirathpura area of Indore. The issue was raised in the House on Thursday as details of the water contamination tragedy came under discussion.

The government said the deaths were caused by an outbreak of acute diarrhoea linked to contaminated water. Health Minister Rajendra Shukla informed the Assembly that a total of 22 deaths had been officially confirmed since December 21, 2025. He also said that 459 people were hospitalised during the outbreak, and some are still undergoing treatment.

Earlier records submitted before the Madhya Pradesh High Court had mentioned 16 deaths, but the latest official count placed before the Assembly confirmed a higher toll. Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya also addressed the issue during the proceedings.

A preliminary investigation found that sewage water from a toilet line had mixed with the drinking water pipeline, leading to the contamination. A judicial inquiry headed by former High Court judge Justice Sushil Kumar Gupta is currently underway to examine the incident and fix responsibility.

The government said compensation of 2 lakh has been provided to the families of the deceased, and free treatment is being given to those affected. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the matter should be viewed seriously and assured that strict action would be taken against those found responsible.

Indore, which has repeatedly been ranked among the cleanest cities in India, has faced sharp public concern following the incident. The tragedy has raised serious questions about drinking water safety and urban infrastructure management in the city.