Sewage-contaminated drinking water has been blamed for at least 10 deaths, including that of a five-month-old baby, and the hospitalisation of more than 270 people in Indore, despite the city of Indore being ranked India’s cleanest for eight consecutive years.
Residents of a densely populated, low-income neighbourhood had complained for months about foul-smelling tap water, but their warnings were ignored. Officials later confirmed that sewage had entered the drinking water supply, likely due to a public toilet built above a pipeline without a septic tank, allowing harmful bacteria to spread.
While local media reported the death toll may be higher, authorities acknowledged thousands of suspected cases identified through door-to-door health checks, with dozens still in intensive care. Residents and opposition leaders accused municipal and state authorities of gross negligence, leading to the suspension of several officials and renewed criticism of India’s water management systems.
The incident has intensified national concerns over water safety, testing standards, and the growing risk of disease outbreaks as urban populations expand.
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