Fresh outbreak sparks widespread panic across affected neighborhoods.
Panic has gripped the Mhow area of Madhya Pradesh following reports of fresh illness caused by a tainted water supply. Approximately 22 residents have fallen sick after consuming unsafe drinking water, raising alarms just weeks after a massive outbreak in the region claimed over 20 lives.
Health officials have confirmed that nine of the affected individuals required immediate hospitalization. The remaining patients are currently receiving treatment at home under strict medical supervision. Authorities anticipate the number of cases may rise beyond 25 as health teams survey adjacent localities for similar symptoms.
District Administration on High Alert
The District Collector visited the hospital late Thursday night to meet with patients and oversee emergency response measures. By Friday morning, specialized health department teams were deployed to the affected neighborhoods to provide medical assistance and monitor the situation.
Surveys were launched on Saturday to categorize patients based on symptom severity. This rapid response aims to prevent a repeat of the tragedy that occurred earlier this month.
Recurrence of a Deadly Crisis
This latest incident of Indore water contamination has revived painful memories of the recent outbreak in Bhagirathpura. Earlier this month, bacterial contamination—specifically the presence of E. coli in 51 tube wells—led to widespread cases of vomiting and diarrhea. While official government data lists the death toll at 15, local residents claim at least 25 people lost their lives.
Legal and Administrative Fallout
The recurring crisis has drawn the attention of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The state government recently informed the court about the bacterial presence in tube wells and announced the formation of a high-level committee to fix accountability. However, petitioners have argued that this committee is merely an attempt to shield senior officials from blame.
Currently, the administration has provided compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the families of 21 victims from the previous outbreak, but the emergence of new cases in Mhow suggests the crisis is far from over.
Image Source: Republic World
