CAG Report Found Serious Flaws with Indore’s Contaminated Water, Authorities Remains Unconcerned
Indore’s contaminated water has flagged serious negligence by authority, which led to the death of 15 people and over 200 people undergoing treatment. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
By Editorial Team and Editorial Team | January 15, 2026
Indore’s contaminated water has flagged serious negligence by authority, which led to the death of 15 people and over 200 people undergoing treatment. A news report by Down to Earth revealed that residents of the city have been complaining about this issue for a long time, but the authorities have been alerted only now.
The tragedy occurred due to the mixing of sewage water with the drinking water and citizens reported that the tap water cannot be used for drinking directly without purifying it with alum and chlorine. The CAG report that was published in 2019 about the water management in Bhopal and Indore revealed various deficiencies in the city.
Over past one year, 34 died drinking contaminated tap water across India
Last year (Between January 2025 and January 7, 2026) at least 5,500 people fell ill in 26 cities, including 16 state capitals, across 22 states and Union territories after consuming sewage-contaminated piped drinking water, DTE reported, adding that at least 34 people died.
The report said diarrhoea was the most commonly reported illness, followed by typhoid, hepatitis and prolonged fever, according to media reports and official statements from affected states.
The article noted that in almost every case, contamination was traced to sewage mixing with drinking water — often because ageing, corroded or poorly laid water pipelines run dangerously close to sewer lines. Any leak or drop in pressure allows sewage to seep directly into household connections.
In a majority of cases, decades-old pipelines were identified as the primary cause. Many Indian cities continue to rely on water distribution networks laid more than 40 years ago. In Delhi, for instance, around 18 per cent of water pipes are over 30 years old, according to a report by the Delhi Jal Board. Cracks in these pipes — often laid alongside or below sewer lines — create repeated contamination risks.
NGT Flags Waste Management Gaps in Delhi, Seeks Updates on Yamuna Pollution
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) in its recent hearing flagged solid and liquid waste management gaps, noting that untreated waste continues to accumulate in the sewage and is discharged into Yamuna river, reported Tribune India.
The tribunal said repeated warnings have not translated into sustained action on the ground. The tribunal directed the Chief Secretary to submit a detailed report on sewage generation, treatment, and discharge, and asked the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to provide water quality data.
Secondary Aerosols Responsible for One-Third of Delhi’s Annual PM2.5 Pollution
Secondary aerosols now account for at least a third of the city’s annual PM2.5 pollution. This has intensified exposure during prolonged smog spells and explains why air quality can deteriorate sharply even when local sources seem under control, reported Indian Express.
Secondary particulate matter is formed after gases are released into the air. These gases, known as precursor pollutants, undergo chemical reactions influenced by humidity, temperature and sunlight. They eventually form microscopic particles that penetrate deep into the lungs.
NGT Directs CAQM to Act on Illegal Constructions After Woman Flagged Serious Health Issues of Two-Month Old Daughter
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) to act against those who are violating the ban on construction in the city, reported The Hindu.
This action came after a woman complained about the serious health issue of her two-month old daughter. The applicant also stated that despite the multiple complaints to the government and the CAQM, no action was taken.