Indore's Water Crisis: 67% Samples Fail Safety, Bhagirathpura Deaths Expose Lapses

• Central report reveals 67% of Indore's water samples and 37% statewide failed safety tests in 2024, despite Indore's cleanliness ranking.
• Findings from Ministry of Jal Shakti's 2024 assessment highlight widespread contamination by E. coli, coliform, and pH issues.
• Bhagirathpura crisis: 6 official deaths (residents claim 16) and hundreds ill due to sewage leaking into drinking water from a police outpost toilet.
• Critical monitoring gaps: Only 14.7% of sites in Indore have field-testing kits; state failed to answer key quality questions.
• Public distress evident with 98,000 grievances; outbreak now "under control" with NIRBI assistance, but boiling water advised.

Why It Matters: Indore's clean city image is tarnished by severe water contamination, exposing critical governance failures.