Bhaepal. On Friday, the fifth day of the budget session of Madhya Pradesh Assembly, the issue of deaths due to contaminated water in Bhagirathpura area of Indore was raised strongly. Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar, speaking on the adjournment motion, called it “not just an accident, but a murder of public trust” and raised serious questions on the accountability of the government.
The Leader of Opposition alleged that the ruling party is trying to avoid discussion in the House on this serious issue. “The families who have lost their loved ones should be asked whether they want discussion or not. If they refuse, we will also step back,” he said. Citing Rule 55, he clarified that even if the matter is pending in the court, discussion on it is possible in the House. Referring to the statement of the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, he said that the government itself has accepted the delay in the tender process. Despite Rs 3256 crore being sanctioned in three years under Amrit Yojana, not a single rupee was spent in Indore and Rs 27 crore was given as advance to the contractor.
“No answer on scams”
The Leader of Opposition said that senior leaders of his party were sent to express condolences to the affected families, and not to do politics. He said that according to the information received through RTI from the Municipal Corporation, a game of laying 5 kilometers of sewage line on paper in one night and fake bills worth about Rs 150 crore has come to light. He also said that the High Court, while taking cognizance of this case, has commented on the “juggling of figures”.
“This is not an accident, but the death of trust.”
Umang Singhar said in emotional words, “People opened the tap, filled water and gave it to their children and elders. The same water became the cause of their death. This is not just an accident, it is a murder of public trust.” Referring to the dead children, he said that it is inhuman to claim normalcy after such a huge loss. Also alleged that action is not being taken against senior officers, while lower level officers are being made scapegoats.
Questions raised on water test report
The Leader of Opposition alleged that obstacles were created in making the water test report public. Claiming that dangerous bacteria have been found in reports from Khajrana and other areas, he said that people in many settlements are forced to live amidst sewage. He asked whether the entire Indore is being fed contaminated water? Citing the 2019 Pollution Control Board report, it said that 59 out of 60 samples were found contaminated, but no concrete action was taken.
“If the adjournment is rejected, it will be a stigma”
Umang Singhar warned that if the adjournment motion was not accepted, it would be a disgrace to the government. He demanded that an FIR should be registered against all those responsible under BNS sections. He also raised questions on the death toll, claiming that the actual number is higher than the figures reported by the government. He also demanded uploading of all investigation reports, action plans and MOUs on the public portal.
No action despite previous complaints
He told that the councilor of the concerned ward had demanded laying of Narmada water line a year ago, but no action was taken on it. He demanded fixing the accountability of the Chief Minister, Minister in-charge and Urban Administration Minister.
Warning regarding other cities also
Leader of Opposition said that along with Indore, there is a possibility of similar situation in Jabalpur, Gwalior-Chambal and Ujjain. Referring to high alert in Ujjain, he said that any kind of negligence or corruption will not be tolerated in view of the upcoming Simhastha.
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