Pipeline burst during testing in Bhagirathpura, Indore (Photo- JNN)
JNN, Indore. Even after the death of 20 people due to contaminated drinking water in Indore's Bhagirathpura, the Municipal Corporation's system does not seem to be back on track. On Wednesday, the 'testing' which was said to be an important step towards improvement, exposed the negligence of the corporation.
As soon as chlorinated water was released to test the water distribution line, the pipeline burst. The flowing water with great pressure entered houses and shops. Seeing the situation worsening, the supply had to be stopped immediately.
Residents say that the corporation had claimed to improve the line just a few days ago after a large number of people fell ill due to vomiting and diarrhoea. At the place where the pipeline burst on Wednesday, work was first done by digging a pit, but the pit was filled without connecting the line properly.
This negligence came to light when water was released under pressure on Wednesday. Meanwhile, another serious flaw regarding contaminated drinking water has come to light. The danger of coliform bacteria found in contaminated drinking water in Bhagirathpura is not limited to this only.
In February last year, the presence of the same bacteria was also found in the Narmada water supplied to Shalimar Township of the city. At that time more than 100 people fell ill in the township.
When bacteria were found in the test, the residents' association had put bleaching powder in the water tanks. It is clear that the Municipal Corporation is not able to provide pure drinking water in many areas of the city. About one thousand families live in Shalimar Township.
Fear persists in Bhagirathpura area, 24 new patients found
Here, on Wednesday, 24 new patients of vomiting and diarrhea were found in Bhagirathpura area. Most of the patients were sent home after first aid, but fear still persists among the people. The effect of contaminated water was visible till Krishnabagh Colony. Here, 14-month-old twin girls Riddhi and Siddhi had to be admitted to the hospital after complaining of vomiting and diarrhea. Father Chandan Singh Pawar told that dirty water is coming in the entire area.
We will have to fight for clean water ourselves
Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar on Wednesday reached different areas of the city and tested the water being supplied. Complaints regarding drainage water came from many areas. Umang Singhar smelled and tasted the water. He said that people themselves will have to struggle for clean water, nothing will be achieved by just relying on leaders.
Relief amount will be given to the relatives of the deceased on the basis of death registration: Chief Minister
On the different figures coming in regarding the number of deaths due to drinking contaminated water in Bhagirathpura, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, in a discussion with the media on Wednesday, said that the loss of even one person's life is extremely painful. So we are not getting into its statistics.
The administration has decided the number on the basis of post-mortem report, but it is not final. In case of death in Bhagirathpura area, based on the data of death registration in Indore Municipal Corporation, the state government will give relief amount to the relatives of the concerned.