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Indore Water Crisis: Lab Report Shows No Pathogens in Bhagirathpura Samples

A recent RT-PCR lab report from Sri Aurobindo Medical College indicates five water samples from Bhagirathpura tested negative for dangerous bacterial and viral pathogens. Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya shared the findings, citing positive results from purification measures. However, the report recommends further culture-based and physicochemical testing for complete confirmation. This comes amid a contamination crisis that has caused multiple deaths and eroded trust in Indore's water supply system.

Key Points: Indore Water Tests Negative for Pathogens, Minister Shares Report

  • RT-PCR tests show no pathogens
  • Contamination crisis had caused deaths
  • Officials urge continued water boiling
  • Report calls for further confirmation
  • Trust in municipal supply eroded
2 min read

Indore crisis: Bhagirathpura water safe for pathogens, Minister Vijayvargiya shares lab report

Bhagirathpura water samples test negative for E. coli, cholera, and viruses in RT-PCR analysis, offering hope amid Indore's contamination crisis.

"The positive results of chlorination and other measures...have become evident. - Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya"

Indore, Jan 4

Amid the ongoing water contamination crisis in Bhagirathpura locality, which has claimed multiple lives and affected thousands, a recent laboratory report from Sri Aurobindo Medical College and PG Institute provides a reassuring update: five water samples tested negative for key waterborne pathogens.

Sharing these results on his X handle, state Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said, "Under the guidance of Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav and the leadership of Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava and Divisional Commissioner Dr Sudam P. Khade, the positive results of chlorination and other measures being taken for drinking water purification in Bhagirathpura have become evident."

The Central Clinical Molecular Laboratory Report, dated January 4, analysed samples collected from Bhagirathpura using the RT-PCR method.

All five samples (S-01 to S-05), each 25 ml in sterile bottles, tested "negative" for bacterial pathogens including E. coli O157, Generic E. coli, Vibrio cholerae, and Salmonella, as well as viral pathogens Rotavirus and Enterovirus.

The interpretation states, "These results indicate that the RT-PCR analysis of all five water samples showed negative results for the targeted bacterial pathogens (E. coli O157, Generic E. coli, Vibrio cholerae, and Salmonella) and viral pathogens (Rotavirus and Enterovirus)."

However, the report recommends, "Further confirmation of water quality may be obtained through culture-based microbiological analysis and routine physicochemical testing."

This finding comes as a positive development in the crisis that erupted in late December 2025, triggered by sewage mixing with drinking water pipelines, reportedly due to a leak near a police outpost toilet without a proper septic tank.

Residents had complained of foul-smelling, discoloured tap water for months. The outbreak has led to widespread diarrhoea and vomiting, with reports of four deaths (official toll) and over 200 (official) illnesses, including several hospitalised in intensive care.

Authorities have fixed the leak, supplied tanker water, suspended officials, and initiated probes.

While earlier tests from other labs confirmed bacterial contamination in some samples, this advanced RT-PCR panel from one of Indore's premier institutions suggests no presence of these specific dangerous pathogens in the tested samples. Health officials urge residents to continue boiling water or using tankers until full clearance.

The crisis has eroded trust in municipal supply in India's "cleanest city," prompting city-wide pipeline surveys and compensation announcements.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Thank God for this news! 🙏 We've been boiling every drop of water for the past two weeks. It's a huge relief to hear the specific dangerous pathogens are not found. But the report itself says to do more tests. Please don't stop here, authorities. Complete the full check-up of the water system for all Bhagirathpura residents.
R
Rahul R
The root cause was a leaking toilet near a water pipeline? In the cleanest city of India? This is a massive failure of basic civic planning and maintenance. The minister sharing a lab report is fine, but what about fixing the accountability? Who allowed such a dangerous setup? Suspensions are not enough, need systemic change.
A
Ashley H
I'm an expat living in Indore. This crisis is deeply concerning. While the new report is positive, the conflicting earlier tests show a lack of clear, consistent communication. Public health needs transparency. I hope the pipeline survey is thorough and the results are shared openly with all residents, in simple language.
K
Karthik V
Good step forward, but the problem was festering for months as per the article. Residents complained but no action until it became a crisis. This reactive approach needs to change to a proactive one. Every city in India needs a robust, real-time water quality monitoring system, not just Indore. Jai Hind.
M
Meera T
My heart goes out to the families who lost loved ones. No lab report can bring them back. The focus now must be on robust support for those still recovering and a 100% guarantee that the water is safe. Tanker supply should continue until every single house gets an all

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