WaterContamination – Nearly two weeks after a judicial panel was formed to examine the fatal water contamination incident in Indore’s Bhagirathpura locality, the inquiry has formally begun collecting evidence from the public.

Commission Calls for Documents and Testimonies

The one-member panel, led by retired Madhya Pradesh High Court judge Justice Sushil Kumar Gupta, issued a public notice on Monday inviting individuals and institutions to submit any material connected to the case. The Commission was constituted under the direction of the Madhya Pradesh High Court to investigate the circumstances surrounding the contamination and its reported health impact.

Residents of Bhagirathpura and nearby areas, especially those directly affected, have been encouraged to participate. Submissions may come from family members of victims, elected representatives, healthcare professionals, hospitals, social groups, contractors, and government officials. Authorities said any individual in possession of relevant information can assist the inquiry.

The panel has asked for copies of complaints about drinking water quality, hospital admission records, discharge summaries, and death certificates. It is also seeking photographs or videos showing damaged pipelines, sewage intrusion, or leaks. Documents related to water supply contracts, tender papers, work orders, inspection reports, and any other material that could shed light on the matter are also being requested.

All submissions must be filed in writing, either personally or through authorised representatives, at the Commission’s office located at Scheme No. 140, RCM 10, First Floor, Anand Van. The deadline for submitting records has been set as 28 February 2026.

Mandate of the Inquiry

The Commission’s role extends beyond establishing whether contamination occurred. It has been asked to determine the source and nature of any pollutants, including possible sewage mixing, industrial discharge, or infrastructure failure. The inquiry will also examine whether administrative negligence contributed to the crisis.

Another key focus is assessing the public health consequences of the alleged contamination. The panel will evaluate how medical institutions responded, the adequacy of treatment provided, and whether preventive steps were taken in time. Recommendations for corrective measures, both immediate and long-term, are expected as part of the final findings.

High Court Directions and Oversight

On 27 January 2026, a division bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court in Indore ordered the formation of the Commission following petitions highlighting the seriousness of the issue. The Court directed the panel to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the water supply system in Bhagirathpura and its broader health implications.

The High Court also instructed the Commission to identify any officials accountable for lapses and to suggest guidelines for compensation, particularly for vulnerable residents. The panel has been granted powers equivalent to those of a Civil Court. This enables it to summon witnesses, require government departments to produce records, and obtain data from hospitals, laboratories, and civic agencies. It may also order independent water testing through accredited laboratories and conduct on-site inspections where necessary.

The Court has directed state authorities, including the district administration, Indore Municipal Corporation, Public Health Engineering Department, and the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board, to extend full cooperation. An interim report is to be submitted within four weeks of the commencement of proceedings.

Death Toll and Ongoing Legal Proceedings

Since 24 October 2025, 33 residents—many of them elderly—have died in Bhagirathpura. Government officials have attributed 16 of these deaths to illnesses linked to contaminated water. Petitioners, however, have challenged these conclusions, arguing that the official findings lack adequate documentation. In earlier hearings, the High Court observed that the state’s death audit report did not appear to be supported by sufficient records.

The matter remains under judicial review. The High Court is scheduled to hear related petitions on 5 March 2026. During the hearing, the government is expected to present a detailed case-by-case analysis of the reported deaths. At least one member of the five-member death audit committee, which includes experts from MGM Medical College in Indore, has been directed to remain present in court.

The outcome of the Commission’s inquiry is likely to play a crucial role in clarifying responsibility and shaping future safeguards for public health and water supply management in the city.

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