Indore Water Contamination Probe gained urgency on Tuesday after the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court ordered an independent inquiry into contaminated drinking water deaths in Bhagirathpura. The court said the Indore Water Contamination Probe needs urgent judicial scrutiny to protect public health and constitutional rights.
A Division Bench of Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi formed a one-member commission led by former High Court judge Justice Sushil Kumar Gupta. The panel will investigate the cause of water contamination and its impact on residents. The court asked the commission to submit an interim report within four weeks.
The State government told the court that 16 deaths may link to a month-long outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea caused by contaminated water. An audit report reviewed 23 deaths, but failed to clearly explain several cases. The Bench questioned the scientific basis of the report and criticised the use of the term “verbal autopsy.”
The court described the situation as alarming and noted similar illness reports from nearby Mhow. Petitioners alleged sewage mixing, pipeline leaks, and civic negligence. Hospital data showed over 450 patients received treatment during the outbreak.
The commission will identify responsible officials, assess medical response, and recommend compensation and long-term reforms. All State agencies must cooperate fully.
