Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Indore Water Crisis Sparks Political Debate
In Bhikangaon, Congress leaders criticized the state government for not managing water schemes well.
They talked about a water contamination crisis in Indore and a delayed irrigation project that was supposed to give water to farms.
The leaders said the government announced plans and spent money, but farmers still don't have water.
They also mentioned that the government is spending a lot on the Chief Minister's trips instead of helping farmers.
The Congress leaders asked for a high-level inquiry and timely delivery of water to the fields.
Meanwhile, in Indore’s Bhagirathpura, a rickshaw driver named Hemant Gaikwad died.
His family says it was because of contaminated water, but officials say he had cancer.
Many people in the area have been sick because of the bad water, and some have died.
The government has given money to the families of those who passed away.
Congress state president Jitu Patwari criticized the government's management of water schemes and irrigation projects during a farmers' conference in Bhikangaon.
Patwari highlighted the water contamination crisis in Indore's Bhagirathpura and the delayed Binjalwara irrigation project.
Hemant Gaikwad, a 50-year-old e-rickshaw driver, died in Indore’s Bhagirathpura, with his family blaming contaminated water, though officials attributed his death to cancer.
Locals claim 25 deaths due to contaminated water, while authorities confirm 7 deaths linked to the outbreak and have provided compensation to affected families.
The Binjalwara irrigation project, initiated in 2018 and due for completion in 2021, remains incomplete in 2026, with Congress leaders demanding a high-level inquiry and strict action against corruption.
- Who
- Congress state president Jitu Patwari, other Congress leaders, Hemant Gaikwad (deceased), and his family
- What
- Criticism of the state government's handling of water crisis and irrigation project failures, and a death linked to contaminated water
- When
- During a farmers' conference on Tuesday and the death of Hemant Gaikwad on Tuesday night
- Where
- Bhikangaon and Indore’s Bhagirathpura, Madhya Pradesh
- Why
- To highlight the government's failures in managing water schemes and irrigation projects, and the impact of contaminated water on residents
Congress Party
State Government
Government's Handling of Water Crisis
Congress Party
The government has failed to manage water schemes properly, leading to contamination and irrigation project failures.
State Government
The government is addressing the water contamination issue and providing compensation to affected families.
Irrigation Project Delays
Congress Party
The Binjalwara irrigation project has been delayed due to corruption and mismanagement, leaving farmers without water.
State Government
The government has announced and sanctioned budgets for irrigation projects, but completion has been delayed.
- Location of Farmers' Conference
- Bhikangaon, Madhya Pradesh
- Criticized Water Contamination Crisis
- Indore’s Bhagirathpura
- Criticized Irrigation Project
- Binjalwara
- Project Initiation Year
- 2018
- Project Completion Year
- 2021 (planned), still incomplete in 2026
- Congress Leaders Present
- Jitu Patwari, Jhuma Solanki, Vijayalakshmi Sadho, Ravi Joshi, Kedar Dabar, Ravi Naik
- Memorandum Submitted To
- SDM Akanksha Agrawal
- Demands in Memorandum
- High-level inquiry, strict action against corruption, timely delivery of water to fields
- Death Toll Claimed by Locals
- 25
- Death Toll Confirmed by Authorities
- 7 (with 15 linked to the outbreak)
- Compensation Provided
- Rs 2 lakh each to 21 families
- Cause of Death for Hemant Gaikwad
- Cardiopulmonary arrest (official), contaminated water (family claim)
- Contaminated Tube Wells
- 51
- Bacteria Found in Water
- E coli
Sources
Bacterial contamination of drinking water led to Indore tragedy: MP govt to HC
E Coli Contamination Led To Indore Water Deaths: Madhya Pradesh To Court
MP News: Congress State President Jitu Patwari Targets State Government Over Water Crisis, Irrigation Project Failure During Farmers' Conference In Bhikangaon
‘How Did Contamination Turn Fatal?’ MP High Court Questions Indore Authorities
Indore water contamination: Rickshaw driver, sole breadwinner of family, dies
MP News: No Lesson Learnt From Indore Tragedy As Dirty, Foul-Smelling Water Supply Continues In Chhatarpur; Officials Ask Residents To 'Wait For 10 Minutes'
Another death allegedly due to contaminated water in Indore