Indore Water Row: Mayor Drinks Tap Water Amid Congress Claims of Contamination
Congress alleges 98% of water samples are polluted; Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav dismisses charges as politically motivated.
A political controversy has erupted in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore over the quality of municipal drinking water after the Congress alleged widespread contamination, including the presence of harmful bacteria such as E. coli. In response, Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav publicly drank tap water in the city to challenge the claims and reassure residents.
The controversy began after Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari claimed that nearly 98 percent of water samples collected from parts of the city were contaminated and unsafe for drinking. According to Congress, around 240 samples were collected from 29 of Indore’s 85 wards, with reports allegedly showing the presence of E. coli, coliform bacteria, and excessive chemical compounds.
Rejecting the allegations, Mayor Bhargav visited Sudama Nagar and drank tap water in front of local residents. He accused Congress of spreading misinformation to damage Indore’s reputation and called the claims politically motivated.
Bhargav also questioned the credibility of the Congress report, alleging inconsistencies in the sample data. He said that while Congress claimed to have collected 240 samples, records reportedly included names from only 130 households. The mayor challenged the opposition to reveal details of the remaining locations for independent testing.
The issue has gained significance following the December 2025 Bhagirathpura tragedy, where contaminated water allegedly caused multiple deaths. While opposition leaders claimed 36 deaths, the government officially confirmed 22.
A judicial commission led by retired High Court judge Sushil Kumar Gupta is currently investigating the matter and is expected to submit its report by June 14, which may clarify the actual condition of Indore’s drinking water.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. While we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, News Setu makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the content. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.