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7 January 2026|The Indian Express
3 min read
Polity & GovernanceSocial IssuesNEWS

Indore Water Deaths: High Court Criticizes State's Insensitive Response

High Court slams state response to Indore water deaths as insensitive.

Background Context

The issue of water quality and public health in India has deep historical roots, stemming from inadequate infrastructure, rapid urbanization, and insufficient regulatory oversight. Historically, water management was primarily community-based, relying on traditional systems like tanks and wells. The British colonial era saw the introduction of centralized water supply systems in urban areas, but these were often limited in scope and focused on serving the colonial administration and elite populations. Post-independence, large-scale irrigation projects and urban water supply schemes were undertaken, but issues of equitable access, water quality, and sustainability persisted. The 1980s and 1990s witnessed increasing awareness of water pollution due to industrialization and agricultural runoff, leading to the enactment of environmental laws like the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. However, enforcement has remained a challenge, and incidents of water contamination continue to occur, highlighting the need for systemic reforms and greater accountability.

The High Court has criticized the state government's response to the recent deaths caused by water contamination in Indore, deeming it insensitive. The court expressed concern over the lack of adequate measures to prevent such incidents and demanded a detailed report on the steps taken to ensure the supply of safe drinking water to the public. The incident has raised questions about the quality of water infrastructure and the effectiveness of monitoring mechanisms in urban areas. The court's intervention underscores the importance of government accountability in safeguarding public health and preventing waterborne diseases.

Key Facts

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Indore: Water contamination led to deaths

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High Court: Criticized state's response

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Demand: Detailed report on safe water supply

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on decentralized water management and community participation in ensuring water quality. The Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in 2019, aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water to all rural households by 2024. This initiative focuses on source sustainability, water quality monitoring, and community ownership. Simultaneously, urban areas are grappling with aging infrastructure and increasing water demand, leading to water scarcity and contamination risks. Smart city initiatives are incorporating water management solutions, such as leak detection systems and real-time water quality monitoring. The future outlook involves greater integration of technology, policy reforms to promote water conservation, and enhanced public awareness campaigns to encourage responsible water usage. Furthermore, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has been playing an increasingly active role in addressing water pollution issues and holding polluters accountable.

3 Key Concepts to Understand

This article covers important concepts like Right to Clean Water, Judicial Review and 1 more. Understanding these will help you answer exam questions better.

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