A major public health crisis has unfolded in Indore after contaminated drinking water led to the deaths of four people and hospitalisation of over 149 residents, mostly from the Bhagirathpura area. The incident has prompted an immediate response from the Madhya Pradesh government, with senior ministers camping in the affected locality.

Addressing the situation, state minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said the administration is focused on treatment, containment and relief. “I cannot comment on the exact number of deaths at this time, but the government will give ₹2 lakh each to the families of those who have lost their lives,” he said.

Vijayvargiya confirmed that medical arrangements have been significantly strengthened. “We have deployed five ambulances. Since last night, around 60 patients have come in, and more than half were given primary treatment and sent home. Those in serious condition have been admitted to hospitals,” he stated. Dedicated wards with 100 beds each have been arranged at Arvind Hospital and MY Hospital, while children requiring specialised care have been shifted to Chacha Nehru Hospital.

Emphasising that treatment will remain completely free, the minister said, “This is a settlement of economically weaker sections, so we have ensured that no one has to spend a single rupee on treatment. I am here, and we will stay in Bhagirathpura until no more patients come in and the situation is fully under control.”

According to Vijayvargiya, the source of the contamination has been identified and repair work is underway. “The situation should return to normal within a day or two,” he said, urging residents to take precautions. “People should boil water before drinking it. We have deployed 50 tankers supplying Narmada water and distributed chlorine to every household.”