In a sharp critique of the Madhya Pradesh government’s handling of the Bhagirathpura water tragedy, senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has called for the immediate public release of all official reports. The incident, which claimed multiple lives due to contaminated water supply, has sparked widespread outrage and demands for accountability.
Bhagirathpura, a densely populated area in Bhopal, witnessed a heartbreaking disaster when residents fell ill en masse after consuming tainted water. Hospitals overflowed with patients suffering from severe gastrointestinal issues, with children and the elderly bearing the brunt of the crisis. Local authorities scrambled to respond, but questions linger about the root cause and preventive measures.
Singh, a former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, addressed a press conference today, slamming the state government for opacity. ‘The people have a right to know the truth. Why are these reports being hidden? Transparency is key to preventing future tragedies,’ he asserted. He accused the administration of downplaying the severity to shield negligent officials.
The tragedy unfolded over a week ago when residents reported foul-smelling water from municipal taps. Initial tests pointed to bacterial contamination, possibly from leaking sewers or industrial effluents. Over 200 people were hospitalized, and at least five fatalities have been confirmed, though unofficial figures suggest higher numbers.
Digvijaya Singh urged Governor Mangubhai Patel to intervene and order the release of inquiry reports from health, water resources, and urban development departments. He highlighted similar past incidents in the state, criticizing the BJP-led government’s repeated failures in public health infrastructure.
Congress workers have launched a signature campaign demanding a high-level probe and compensation for victims’ families. Opposition parties are uniting to pressure the assembly for a special session on the issue.
As public anger simmers, the government’s silence fuels suspicions of a cover-up. Releasing the reports could restore faith, but delays risk escalating political tensions ahead of upcoming elections. Madhya Pradesh’s water safety remains a ticking time bomb, with experts calling for systemic reforms.