After Indore, contaminated water crisis hits Mhow; two dozen people fall ill within 15 days, administration on alert

Indore/Mhow (The Uttam Hindu): Even before cases of deaths linked to contaminated water in Indore had settled, a serious situation has now emerged from Mhow in the same district. Infections like jaundice are spreading rapidly due to the consumption of polluted drinking water, with children being the worst affected. Over the past 10 to 15 days, more than two dozen people have fallen ill in the Patti Bazaar and Moti Mahal areas.

Local residents claim that muddy and foul-smelling water is being supplied through household taps. In several homes, multiple children have fallen sick at the same time, forcing them to miss school and examinations. A Class 12 student, Alina, could not appear for her pre-board exam, while nine-year-old Lakshita and twelve-year-old Geetansh are battling jaundice. In one family alone, six children are reportedly ill.

The situation in the Moti Mahal area is even more worrying. Several small children had to be admitted to hospital, and an elderly person suffering from a liver infection was referred to Indore for advanced treatment. Residents allege that drinking water pipelines pass through dirty drains and, due to leakages, contaminated water is mixing with the supply.

After the issue came to light, the administration moved into alert mode. Water samples have been sent for testing, and health department teams are conducting door-to-door surveys. On Thursday night, MLA Usha Thakur and later District Collector Shivam Verma visited the affected areas and hospitals to meet patients. The Collector directed officials to ensure proper treatment, arrange alternative drinking water and avoid any negligence.

The administration has stated that the situation is under control and strict action will be taken against those responsible. The incident in Mhow has once again raised serious questions about the safety and maintenance of the drinking water supply system.