Indore Bhagirathpura Water Issue: NGT Seeks Reply After Sewage Entered Pipelines, Triggering Deadly Outbreak

Naidunia Correspondent, Bhopal: A committee formed by the Health Department and the State Pollution Control Board to investigate the deaths caused by contaminated water in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area has submitted its report to the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The report stated that E-coli bacteria, commonly found in human faeces, had entered the groundwater in the area

E-Coli Found In 50 Out Of 52 Water Samples

According to the report submitted before the NGT, the water contamination incident last year claimed the lives of 36 people. The report highlighted that arlier testing had found E-coli bacteria in 50 out of 52 drinking water samples collected from Bhagirathpura. The findings were also presented before the High Court.

The Health Department’s report stated that the major reason behind the outbreak was the mixing of sewage water with the municipal water supply pipeline. It also came to light that residents had complained about changes in the taste and smell of drinking water, but authorities failed to act on time.

What Led To The Disease Outbreak?

According to the report, contaminated water had entered the supply system due to leaks and faults in the water pipeline network. The committee found that while water samples from the Narmada pipeline did not contain E-coli bacteria, contamination was found in other sources. Three months after the incident, the expert committee collected 43 samples from different sources.

Out of these, 10 samples were from the Narmada pipeline, which supplies water to Bhagirathpura. No E-coli was detected in them. However, samples collected from the nearby Kanh River showed heavy presence of E-coli bacteria. A borewell sample also contained harmful levels of the bacteria, indicating that the contamination had reached underground water sources.

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NGT Says Responsibility Must Be Fixed

During the hearing, NGT members Justice Shiv Kumar Singh and expert member Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi said that residents had paid the price for negligence in the water supply system. The case reached the NGT after Rashid Noor Khan and Kamal Kumar Rathi filed separate petitions in January. Following this, the NGT’s Central Zone Bench ordered the formation of an expert committee to investigate the incident.

NGT Seeks Response Within Three Weeks

During the hearing, it was noted that a judicial commission formed on the directions of the High Court is also investigating the Bhagirathpura incident. The commission is examining which officials and agencies were responsible for allowing contaminated water to reach people’s homes. The NGT has now sent the Pollution Control Board’s report to the concerned parties and sought their response within three weeks. The next hearing is scheduled for September 16.

Directions To Improve Water Supply System

The NGT has issued several directions to improve the city’s water supply system. These include replacing damaged pipelines, keeping sewage and water pipelines separate, preventing leakages, regular cleaning of water reservoirs, setting up a 24×7 helpline and mobile app, testing water through NABL-accredited laboratories, making water quality reports public, developing real-time monitoring systems, and conducting third-party audits of the water supply network.

Bhagirathpura Water Tragedy Timeline

December 29-30, 2025:
A large number of residents started reporting vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach-related illnesses.

December 31, 2025:
After eight deaths were reported, the issue gained widespread attention. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced financial assistance for the families of the deceased. Two municipal officials were suspended, and a sub-engineer was removed from service. A three-member committee was formed to investigate the incident.

January 2026:
Health camps, door-to-door surveys, water sample testing, and extensive pipeline inspections began in the affected area. The matter reached the High Court.

February 2026:
A judicial inquiry commission was formed. The commission invited evidence and claims from citizens.

March 2026:
The judicial inquiry commission submitted its preliminary report to the High Court. It stated that water from 109 out of 110 overhead tanks was normal, while one tank’s water was found to be seriously contaminated.

April 2026:
The High Court granted more time for the detailed inquiry report.

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