New Delhi, 02 January (H.S.): Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing critique of the Modi government on Friday, accusing it of failing to deliver clean water or air despite flagship initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. He highlighted the tragic deaths from contaminated water in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, where sewage infiltration into drinking supplies has claimed at least nine lives and hospitalized over 200 residents in the Bhagirathpura area.

Indore Contamination Crisis

The outbreak, triggered by a leakage in the main water pipeline beneath a toilet at a local police checkpost, led to widespread diarrhoea and vomiting cases reported since late December.Official figures confirm nine fatalities, though local residents and opposition leaders allege the toll exceeds 15, with more than 1,400 affected amid complaints of foul-smelling, acidic water that authorities initially ignored.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced Rs 2 lakh compensation per family, suspended municipal officials, and ordered a probe, but critics decry the response as inadequate.

Kharge's Direct Rebuke Narendra Modi ji, who never gets tired of trumpeting the Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, is maintaining his usual silence on the deaths caused by drinking contaminated water in Indore, Kharge stated, underscoring the irony in Indore—long branded India's cleanest city—now pleading for potable water. He broadened the indictment, asserting the BJP-led administration has deprived citizens of both clean water and breathable air, leaving the public to endure systemic neglect.

This salvo aligns with parallel attacks from Rahul Gandhi, who termed clean water a fundamental right, not charity, and blamed a double-engine government's negligence.

Broader Context of Government Schemes

Launched in 2019, the Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide 55 litres of safe water daily per rural household via tap connections, with over 80% coverage claimed, yet functionality lags—usage hovers below 40% in key states due to irregular supply, contamination, and poor maintenance.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar