Last Updated:January 01, 2026, 09:46 IST

MP minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has overseen relief efforts, ensured free treatment, and ordered a probe into official lapses after deaths due to contaminated water in Indore.

Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya on Wednesday outlined the steps taken to contain the water contamination crisis in Bhagirathpura, Indore, which has claimed 13 lives and affected over 1,100 residents.

Speaking to news agency ANI, he said, “We are providing treatment to all the patients. We have deployed five ambulances. The number of patients arriving has decreased since yesterday. Since last night, 60 patients have arrived, and more than half have received primary treatment and been sent home.”

“Those whose condition is serious have been sent to the hospital. We have made 100 beds available at Arvind Hospital and allocated an entire 100-bed ward at MY Hospital. Some children have been sent to Chacha Nehru Hospital,” he said.

Vijayvargiya stressed that the relief measures have been extended to ensure no one bears any treatment cost.

“This is a settlement of economically weaker sections, so we have ensured that no one has to spend money on treatment. I am here, and we will stay here in Bhagirathpura until no more patients come in, and we will manage the entire situation,” he said.

“The source of the contaminated water has been identified and is being repaired. The situation will be back to normal within a day or two. People should boil water before drinking it. We have deployed 50 tankers and are providing Narmada water to the people, and we have also distributed chlorine to every household,” he added.

Separately, in a post on X, the minister expressed regret over earlier comments that were perceived as insensitive.

“My team and I have been continuously working to improve the situation in the affected area without sleep for the past two days,” Vijayvargiya wrote.

“My people are suffering from contaminated water, and some have left us; in this state of deep sorrow, my words came out wrong in response to a media question. For this, I express my regret. But until my people are completely safe and healthy, I will not sit quietly,” he added.

According to news agency PTI, Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava confirmed seven fatalities so far, while over 1,100 people have been affected in Bhagirathpura, with 111 hospital admissions.

Vijayvargiya acknowledged lapses by officials and assured strict action.

“I feel that a mistake has been committed, but it is better if we first ensure that all patients recover and create a positive environment rather than discuss this now. None of those responsible for the contaminated drinking water incident would be spared, even if the official concerned held a very high position,” he said.

Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dilip Kumar Yadav said contamination occurred due to a leakage in the main water supply pipeline, over which a toilet had been constructed.

Following orders from Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, a zonal officer and an assistant engineer have been suspended, while the services of an in-charge sub-engineer have been terminated.

A three-member committee, led by an IAS officer, has been set up to probe the incident.

The government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased.

Relief operations, including water distribution, chlorine supply, and medical care, continue under Vijayvargiya’s supervision, while repairs to the pipeline are underway.

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