Indore contaminated water supply: Three die of diarrhoea; MP CM announces compensation

Doctors said the immediate cause of death was cardiac arrest, noting a history of high blood pressure and irregular medication. (Express Photo)

After more than 30 people fell ill, purportedly after consuming contaminated drinking water in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore district, the health officials Wednesday confirmed that three persons have died of diarrhoea in the locality, news agency PTI reported.

MP Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has expressed grief over the incident and announced a financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased. He also said that the state government would bear the entire cost of the treatment of all patients who have fallen ill.

Those who lost their lives were identified as Nandlal Pal (75), Urmila Yadav (60) and Tara Kori (65) by the health officials. Bhagirathpura resident Nandlal Pal, had passed away at Verma Nursing Home on Tuesday morning. He had been admitted on December 28 after complaints of vomiting and diarrhea. Doctors said the immediate cause of death was cardiac arrest, noting a history of high blood pressure and irregular medication.

The reports of the deaths had emerged on Tuesday, however, health officials did not confirm the same. They said investigations into the cause of illness are underway, according to a report in The Indian Express.

Residents of Bhagirathpura alleged that nearly 150 people in the area have complained of vomiting and diarrhoea over the past week, The Indian Express report noted.

Officials said a detailed inquiry would follow once water test reports are received to determine whether the contamination stemmed from pipeline damage, nearby excavation, or a compromised water tank.

Moreover, following the CM’s instructions, a zonal officer of the municipal corporation and an assistant engineer in Bhagirathpura were suspended with immediate effect, while the services of an in-charge sub-engineer were terminated, an official told PTI.

The official also said that a three-member committee headed by an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer has been constituted to probe the allegations of deaths caused by water contamination, PTI reported.