Why Is ‘India’s Cleanest City’ Facing A Water Contamination Crisis? 6 Cities At Similar Risk

Indore, India’s cleanest city, has become a symbol of spotless streets and top civic rankings over the years. However, it is now facing an unexpected crisis. In a shocking turn of events, residents of Bhagirathpura in Indore fell ill after consuming water that was reportedly contaminated. The incident has raised serious concerns about Indore water contamination and public health safety in the city. Here’s a closer look at what actually happened.

Indore’s Deadly Water Contamination Crisis

According to The Times of India, more than 10 people have lost their lives due to water contamination in Bhagirathpura, Indore. Residents of this area, reportedly, began falling ill on December 29, 2025. The contaminated water led to a diarrhoea outbreak that has claimed 10 lives and led to the hospitalisation of over 200 people. Indore mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava has confirmed these deaths. 203 patients are currently undergoing treatment in 41 hospitals across Indore.

As per a report by Hindustan Times, test reports of water samples confirmed that the tap water in the affected area of Indore was contaminated and unsafe for consumption. The samples were found to contain harmful pathogens, including E. coli, Salmonella, and Vibrio cholerae, as well as several viruses, fungi, and protozoa. This severe contamination led to polymicrobial infections among many residents, triggering serious health complications such as multi-organ failure and sepsis in several patients.

What caused this water contamination in Indore? Reports suggest that sewage mixed with drinking water in the area. Several formal complaints were reportedly filed in 2025 about the water quality in the area as well.

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Other Indian Cities At Similar Risk

Several reports suggest that Indore’s water contamination is not an isolated incident. Other cities across India are facing similar issues as well. According to a Hindustan Times report, parts of Gurgaon, Pune, and Delhi have also reported cases of piped water contamination in 2025.

A recent report by The Times of India also revealed that water supply in several neighbourhoods of Ranchi is running through clogged drains. Gandhinagar also reported 70 active typhoid cases in the last five days.

As per The Economic Times, authorities have identified contaminated water as the cause of this outbreak. Residents of Bengaluru’s KSFC Layout in Lingarajapuram are also facing a water crisis, with many reporting health issues such as gastrointestinal problems, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

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We hope that the concerned authorities look into these matters at the earliest and resolve the issue soon.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Zülfü Demir (representative image)