MP: Death toll due to contaminated water in Indore rises to 19, over 200 in hospitals; Uma Bharti targets govt
The death toll due to contaminated water in Indore has risen to 19 on Friday. Besides, 201 people, including 16 children, affected by contaminated water, are admitted to different hospitals. The lab report of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College has confirmed presence of bacteria in the water.
The crisis caused by the waterborne disease spreading in the Bhagirathpura area of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, is continuously worsening. The death toll due to this disease has now reached 19, although this has not been officially confirmed, creating an atmosphere of panic and anger throughout the area.
The most worrying aspect is that Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava confirmed 10 deaths in an official statement to a news agency, but no clear statement was given regarding the actual causes of these deaths. This has raised questions about the functioning and transparency of the administration.
Elderly woman passes away
Meanwhile, another tragic incident came to light on Friday. 68-year-old Geeta Bai, who was undergoing treatment at the private Aurobindo Medical Science and Research Hospital, passed away. It is reported that Geeta Bai was suffering from severe symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Family members and local residents are linking these symptoms to the waterborne disease spreading in Bhagirathpura.
The number of sick people in the area is constantly increasing, leading to overcrowding in both government and private hospitals. Local residents allege that they had complained several times about the water quality, but no timely action was taken, which led to the situation deteriorating further.
Considering the seriousness of the incident, the administrative staff and the health department have now become active. Water samples are being collected from the affected area, and efforts are being made to determine the actual causes of the disease. However, until the causes of the deaths are officially clarified, it is feared that fear and anger will persist in the area.
CMHO Dr. Madhav Hasani said that people fell ill and died after consuming contaminated water. Collector Shivam Verma said that they are waiting for the detailed report. Culture tests are also being conducted at the medical college. It would be appropriate to comment only after the report comes.
This sin must be atoned for: Uma
Regarding the matter, former CM Uma Bharti called it a test for CM Mohan Yadav. She said, "This sin must be atoned for."
She also said that this is a 'test' for CM Mohan Yadav.
Uma Bharti said that this incident, which happened at the end of the year, has shamed and tarnished the entire state, the government, and the system. She also questioned Indore's cleanliness and its administrative system.
Uma Bharti wrote on X, "In the city that received the award for the cleanest city in the state, such ugliness, dirt, and poisoned water have swallowed and continue to swallow so many lives. The death toll is rising."
The Madhya Pradesh government has announced a compensation of two lakh rupees to the families of those killed in this incident. Uma Bharti has commented on this. She said, "The value of a life is not two lakh rupees, because their families will be immersed in sorrow for the rest of their lives. There must be severe atonement for this sin, an apology must be offered to the victims, and the maximum punishment must be given to all those responsible, from the lowest to the highest levels."
Shortly afterward, Uma Bharti posted again on X (formerly Twitter), targeting those who were shirking responsibility. She reiterated that "there is no explanation for such sins; either there must be atonement or punishment."
She wrote, "Who is saying that we didn't have any power? If you didn't have any power, then why were you sitting in your positions drinking bottled water? Why didn't you leave your positions and go among the people? There is no explanation for such sins; either atonement or punishment!"