The Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the Indore Municipal Corporation and State authorities to ensure the immediate and regular supply of clean drinking water to areas affected by suspected contamination, following reports of multiple deaths in Bhagirathpura.
Hearing a public interest litigation, a Division Bench comprising Justice Dwarkadhish Bansal and Justice Rajendra Kumar Vani expressed grave concern over the alleged fatalities linked to contaminated water and underscored the obligation of civic authorities to safeguard public health. The Court ordered the authorities to deploy additional water tankers without delay and to ensure that the affected persons receive prompt and appropriate medical treatment.
During the hearing, the petitioner submitted that while the status report filed by the State Government acknowledged the death of four persons, the actual number of deaths was higher. It was contended that the situation on the ground was more severe than reflected in the official records.
The Bench also took note of submissions that residents of the affected locality were not being provided regular access to clean drinking water. Questioning the adequacy of the existing arrangements, the Court emphasised that Indore’s standing as a well-administered city could not be compromised due to lapses in essential civic services.
In response, the Indore Municipal Corporation informed the Court that 30 water tankers had already been deployed in the area. The High Court, however, directed the authorities to immediately increase the number of tankers and ensure uninterrupted supply, instructing senior officials, including the district administration, to oversee compliance and take urgent corrective measures.
The Court also directed that proof of compliance be placed on record, reinforcing the need for swift administrative action to address the public health emergency and ensure access to safe drinking water.
Appearances:
Shri Ritesh Inani – petitioner present in person and Shri Manish Yadav – Advocate for the petitioner in W.P.No.50641/2025.
Shri Rahul Sethi – Additional Advocate General for the respondents/State.
Shri Shashank Shrivastava – Advocate for respondent no.2.
Shri Abhinav Dhanodkar – Advocate along with Rishi A.Choukse and Shri Adish Tongya- Advocates for the intervenor