Sewage in drinking water blamed for at least 10 deaths in India’s ‘cleanest city’
Hundreds hospitalised in Indore after public toilet built above water pipeline appears to have let sewage into supply
TL;DR
- At least 10 deaths and over 270 hospitalizations are linked to sewage-contaminated drinking water in Indore.
- Residents had reported issues with foul-smelling tap water for months, but authorities did not act.
- A public toilet constructed above a water pipeline without a septic tank is believed to be the source of contamination.
- Water tests confirmed the presence of bacteria typically found in sewage.
- Several municipal officials have been suspended pending an investigation.
- The incident highlights broader concerns about water safety and testing laboratory accreditation in India.
- The government has pledged to implement new rules to prevent similar incidents.