Eight people have died and 111 have fallen ill in the Bhagirathpura area due to contaminated water. The health department has become active after a leakage was found in the main water line. Treatment is being provided at government expense, and financial assistance will be provided to the families of the deceased.
Madhya Pradesh: News has emerged of three more deaths in the Bhagirathpura area due to drinking contaminated water. Previously, five people had died by Tuesday. A total of eight people have died, including Nandram (70), Urmila (60), Tarabai Kori (70), Gomati Rawat (50), Uma Kori (31), Santosh Bigolia, and others.
As of now, 111 people have been admitted to hospitals. Three patients are in the ICU at the Arbindo Hospital. Following instructions from CMHO Dr. Madhav Hasani, a separate 100-bed unit has been established to begin treating patients. An atmosphere of fear prevails in the area, and people are afraid to drink the water.
Action by Health Officials
Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava, Collector Shivam Verma, and CMHO are continuously monitoring the situation. All hospitals in Bhagirathpura have been instructed not to charge patients for treatment, and the government will bear the full cost.
According to the CMHO, a survey of 2703 homes in the area has been conducted, and approximately 12,000 people have been examined. 1146 patients were provided with first aid on the spot. Seriously ill patients are being sent to the hospital. ASHA workers are distributing chlorine, zinc tablets, and ORS. Four ambulances, 14 doctors, and 24 paramedical staff have been deployed in the area.
Source of Contaminated Water
A leakage was found in the main water line under a toilet in Bhagirathpura. This leakage caused contaminated water to mix into the pipeline, which people then drank. Foul-smelling and dirty water was also coming from the Narmada water supply line.
Tenders for a new water line were issued four months ago, but officials did not open them. The tender has now been opened, and the main line has been repaired by demolishing the restroom with a JCB. The risk of disease has increased in the area due to dirty water and mosquitoes.
Financial Assistance to the Deceased
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has announced a financial assistance of Rs. 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased. Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya stated that over 70 water samples have been taken, and treatment for all patients will be provided at government expense. Refunds will be issued to those who have already paid for treatment.
Officials have taken action against those responsible, with Zonal Officer Shaligram Shitole and Assistant Engineer Yogesh Joshi suspended, and Deputy Engineer Shubham Srivastava’s services terminated. A three-member investigation committee has been formed, comprising IAS Navjeevan Pawar, Superintendent Engineer Pradeep Nigam, and Associate Professor Dr. Shailesh Rai from the Medical College.
Water is being supplied to the area by 50 tankers. People are advised to drink boiled water and avoid eating outside food or cut fruits. Doctors and paramedical staff are visiting homes in 15 lanes of the area to provide treatment.
