Bhopa (Madhya Pradesh): The residents of TT Nagar, Malviya Nagar, Jahangirabad, and Ashoka Garden are battling with foul smell, muddy water being supplied through the Narmada pipeline. The situation has sparked health concerns and public outrage with BJP corporator Pappu Vilas Rao Ghadge writing to mayor Malti Rai urging urgent action.
In the letter, Ghadge raised concerns about the deteriorating quality of water being supplied in Jahangirabad and nearby areas of ward number 34.
“The water is not fit for drinking and may cause diseases,” Ghadge warned in his letter. He also submitted video evidence of contaminated water and urged the mayor to order investigation into the cause of the pollution.
According to Bhopal Municipal Corporation, chlorine is used to disinfect water and its dose is increased during monsoon due to high mud content. However, a viral audio of a Zone 11 water department engineer confirms an overdose of chlorine behind the current stench.
Diseases spread
In ward 55 in zone-13, resident Amit complained of vomiting particularly among children and the elderly. Environmentalist Umashankar Tiwari from Bagmugalia Extension shared a video showing the smelly water supplied to over 1,200 households, affecting nearly 10,000 residents. Many are now buying drinking water.
‘High chlorine level needed’
BMC chief engineer Udit Garg said high chlorine levels were sometimes necessary due to seasonal conditions but added that the situation was being monitored. Garg said, “Without this, water cannot be supplied. During rainy season, there is more mud in the water taken from Narmada.”
