Chief Minister Dr. Yadav takes strict action against responsible officials

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav reviewed the incident related to the supply of contaminated drinking water in the Bhagirathpura area of Indore through a video conference from the Chief Minister’s residence late at night on Friday, after returning from his visit to Jabalpur. During the meeting, the Indore Divisional Commissioner informed that cases of vomiting and diarrhoea were reported in the Bhagirathpura area on 28 December, with drinking water contamination identified as the likely cause. Upon receiving the information, the Municipal Corporation, Health Department, and district administration initiated prompt action.

A total of 13,444 households were surveyed. Overall, 310 patients were admitted to hospitals, of whom 235 have recovered and returned home. Doctors were deployed on round-the-clock duty, and 10 ambulances were stationed for referrals. Beds were earmarked in hospitals to ensure free treatment, and a team of specialists was sent to the affected area. A 24×7 call centre has been activated for grievance redressal. More than 1,600 drinking water samples were collected from households, and assistance desks were also established.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that he was not satisfied with the action taken by the Municipal Corporation administration and emphasised that public health is the government’s top priority. He said that officials found negligent would not be spared. The Chief Minister directed the removal of the Indore Municipal Commissioner, Shri Dilip Yadav and his posting to the Secretariat. He also ordered the suspension of Additional Commissioner Shri Rohit Sisonia and In-charge Superintending Engineer Shri Sanjeev Shrivastava for negligence.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also held a meeting with mayors of all municipal corporations across the state, along with divisional commissioners, collectors, and municipal commissioners, and directed them to ensure the availability of clean drinking water to citizens.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav instructed that the staff of urban local bodies must remain alert and vigilant regarding public health, and that incident like the one in Indore must not be repeated anywhere else. He emphasised the need for close coordination between public representatives and officials, and directed administrative officers to take immediate action upon receiving complaints related to drinking water or other essential services through phone or any other means.

During the meeting, the Urban Administration Department briefed participants on guidelines issued to ensure the supply of clean drinking water to citizens. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav directed the concerned officials to strictly ensure compliance with these guidelines.

Key Points of Guidelines issued to ensure supply of clean drinking water to citizens

• Identify densely populated areas and pipelines that are more than 20 years old.

• Identify old pipelines and those with frequent leakages, as well as pipelines passing near or beneath drains/sewer lines.

• Ensure repair of leakages identified during inspection within 48 hours.

• Inspect and ensure cleaning of Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) and Overhead Tanks (OHTs)/sump tanks within 7 days.

• Conduct immediate water sample testing at all WTPs, major water sources, overhead tanks, and sump tanks.

• In case of contamination, immediately stop water supply and ensure an alternative supply of safe drinking water.

• Ensure 24×7 monitoring of the chlorination system.

• Run public awareness campaigns in all urban local bodies for detection of pipeline leakages.

• Treat complaints related to water supply as emergencies.

• Ensure mandatory resolution of leakage/contaminated water complaints within 24 to 48 hours.

• Give top priority to the resolution of complaints related to dirty/contaminated drinking water and sewage received on the CM Helpline.