Sewage-tainted drinking water linked to multiple deaths in Indore, India’s ‘cleanest city’

At least 10 people, including a baby, died after sewage-contaminated drinking water triggered a diarrhoea outbreak in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

• Why it matters now: Indore has been ranked India’s cleanest city for eight consecutive years, raising urgent questions about urban water safety and oversight.

• What changes for people: Authorities have launched emergency health checks, water testing, and supply fixes as hundreds fall ill.

• Who is affected: Residents of Bhagirathpura, city health systems, and urban governance across rapidly growing cities.

A severe public health crisis has unfolded in Indore, after sewage mixed with drinking water in a densely populated neighbourhood, killing at least 10 people and hospitalising more than 270, officials confirmed.

The outbreak has struck Bhagirathpura, a lower-income area of Madhya Pradesh’s commercial capital, where residents had repeatedly complained for months about foul-smelling tap water.

What officials are saying

Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava said preliminary findings point to sewage entering the main water supply line from a tank.

“I have received information about 10 deaths due to a diarrhoea outbreak caused by contaminated water,” he said, adding that the contamination occurred in a critical pipeline.

Local media reports have suggested the toll may be higher, but official confirmation remains at 10 deaths as of now.