Food Manifest 
Key Development
India’s cleanest city, Indore, continues to grapple with a severe drinking water contamination crisis, with the death toll rising to 10 following the death of a six-month-old infant in Bhagirathpura on New Year’s Day. The outbreak has intensified concerns over drinking water safety—an essential pillar of food safety—as over 1,400 people have fallen ill and nearly 150 have required hospitalisation. Residents fear the actual number of affected individuals may be significantly higher.
Infant Death Highlights Food and Water Safety Risks
The infant reportedly fell ill after consuming milk prepared with contaminated municipal water at the family’s home in Marathi Mohalla, close to the outbreak’s epicentre. He developed vomiting and severe diarrhoea, and despite medical intervention, his condition worsened, leading to his death.
Family members said pregnancy-related health complications had forced them to rely on packaged milk mixed with tap water. The case underscores how unsafe drinking water can directly compromise infant nutrition, food preparation, and overall food safety, placing vulnerable populations at heightened risk.
Laboratory Tests Confirm Dangerous Bacterial Contamination
Laboratory analysis of water supplied through the Narmada pipeline in Bhagirathpura revealed alarming levels of contamination. Officials confirmed the presence of faecal coliform, E. coli, and Klebsiella, bacteria known to cause severe diarrhoea and vomiting. Some samples also showed traces of Vibrio cholerae–like organisms, commonly associated with cholera. Authorities have tested nearly 80 water samples, with detailed laboratory reports expected within the next one to two days.
Sewage Leak Contaminated Drinking Water Pipeline
Health authorities traced the contamination to sewage water seeping into the main drinking water pipeline due to a leak near a police check post in Bhagirathpura. Officials suspect waste from a toilet at the police outpost was diverted into a pit instead of the sewage network, allowing sewage to mix with the drinking water supply. Although Indore sources its water from the Narmada River, breaches in the distribution network appear to have compromised water quality before it reaches households.
Over 1,400 Fall Ill Across Affected Areas
The city’s Chief Medical and Health Officer said residents began reporting symptoms—including vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, and high fever—earlier this week. Health teams conducted door-to-door surveys in over 1,700 households, screening more than 8,500 residents. While officials treated many patients with mild symptoms at home, over 200 people remain hospitalised, including several in intensive care units.
Repair Work Completed, Boiling Advisory Issued
District authorities said they have completed repairs on the damaged pipeline and restored the water supply after inspections. However, officials have urged residents to boil drinking water before use as a precaution. Fresh water samples have been sent for further testing.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav attributed the crisis to sewer leakages and assured strict corrective measures to prevent recurrence. The state has suspended a zonal civic officer and an assistant engineer for lapses in oversight, while senior officials continue to monitor the situation.
Compensation Announced, SOP in the Works
The state government announced ₹2 lakh compensation for the families of those who died and assured free medical treatment for all affected residents. Authorities are also developing a standard operating procedure for drinking water infrastructure across Madhya Pradesh to prevent similar incidents in the future. Officials reiterated that access to safe drinking water is crucial in preventing foodborne and waterborne diseases, especially in densely populated urban areas.
