NHRC Takes Suo Motu Note of Fatal Water Contamination in Indore’s Bhagirathpura
(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
New Delhi, 2 December 2026: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has invoked its suo motu powers under Section 12(a) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, seizing cognizance of a media report detailing the tragic death of seven persons and hospitalization of over 40 others due to contaminated water supplied in Bhagirathpura, Indore district, Madhya Pradesh.
Residents had repeatedly lodged complaints about the foul water supply, yet local authorities allegedly failed to intervene, raising serious questions of negligence and violation of the right to life and health under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The Commission has issued a notice to the Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary, directing submission of a detailed report within two weeks to probe the lapses and ensure remedial action.
The Commission, upon a careful perusal of the contents of the news report, has noted that the allegations, if found to be true, disclose grave concerns relating to the violation of the fundamental human rights of the affected individuals.
Such a situation, involving loss of life and severe health consequences, strikes at the very core of the right to life and dignity guaranteed under the Constitution.
In view of the seriousness of the matter, the Commission has deemed it appropriate to intervene and has accordingly issued a formal notice to the Chief Secretary of the Government of Madhya Pradesh.
Through this notice, the Commission has sought a comprehensive and detailed report on the incident, including the circumstances leading to the tragedy, the remedial measures undertaken, and the accountability of the authorities concerned.
The Chief Secretary has been directed to furnish this report within a period of two weeks, so that the Commission may assess the situation and take further steps as warranted in the interest of justice and protection of human rights.
According to media reports published on 31 December 2025, the principal pipeline supplying potable water to the locality runs beneath a public toilet complex.
It has been reported that a leakage developed in this main pipeline, resulting in the ingress of sewage and its subsequent mixing with the drinking water supply.
Further, multiple subsidiary water distribution lines in the area were found to be damaged and broken, exacerbating the contamination.
Owing to these breaches in the water infrastructure, untreated and polluted water was allegedly being supplied directly to residential households, posing a serious risk to public health and safety.
