Daijiworld Media Network - Indore

Indore, Jan 23: At least 22 people in Mhow tehsil, Indore district, have fallen ill after consuming suspected contaminated drinking water, reigniting concerns over water safety in the region. Nine patients have been hospitalised, while others are being treated at home under medical supervision.

Affected residents from Chander Marg in Patti Bazaar reported symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, and in some cases, jaundice, prompting urgent action from authorities. Late Thursday, Indore district collector Shivam Verma visited the area, inspecting the locality, interacting with patients and their families, and overseeing hospital arrangements. He instructed health officials to provide prompt treatment and ensure strict vigilance against negligence.

Health teams have been deployed since early Friday to investigate the contamination source, test water samples, and contain further spread. Regional MLA Usha Thakur also visited the hospital, offering support and assurance from local authorities.

This incident comes weeks after a severe waterborne outbreak in Bhagirathpura, where contaminated water caused vomiting, diarrhoea, and seven fatalities, including a five-month-old infant. The Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken note of the crisis, ordering preservation of records and fresh reports amid ongoing public interest litigations.

Locals blame long-standing infrastructure issues, such as leaking pipelines running through drains, which allow sewage to mix with drinking water. Children and the elderly have been particularly affected, with some families reporting multiple members falling sick.