Toxic Waste or Coincidence? 13 Mysterious Deaths

In just 15 days, 13 people have lost their lives in Budhpur village, located in Baghpat district, Uttar Pradesh. The sudden spike in deaths has triggered panic among residents. Villagers believe the root cause is toxic waste from nearby sugar mills and factories contaminating their local water sources.
Most of the reported deaths have been due to heart attacks, kidney failure, liver damage, and serious infections, health issues that can be linked to long-term exposure to polluted water.

Contaminated Drain Water Blamed for Crisis

Locals say a nearby drain has become a channel for chemical waste and untreated sewage. According to Surendra Pal Singh, the village’s former head (pradhan), the drain receives effluents from sugar mills and colonies in the Baraut region. These pollutants, he says, are not just harming the water but also affecting crops, killing livestock, and putting human lives at risk.

“People can’t afford water purifiers,” Singh added. “They’re forced to use contaminated groundwater, which is now dangerous.”

The poisonous water from the drain eventually runs into the Krishni River, a Hindon tributary, spreading the contamination even further.

Long-Term Exposure, Long-Term Damage

This isn’t an isolated issue. Anil Kumar, a native of nearby Chilora village, described a personal tragedy. Over the years, he lost his wife and two relatives to various cancers. He blames contaminated water from hand pumps and tube wells, which are tainted by waste from sugar mills, paper mills, and other companies.

Authorities Respond—but Questions Remain

After media attention and public outcry, a medical camp was held in the area. Dr Vijay Kumar, the medical superintendent at Baraut Community Health Centre, confirmed that nine of the deaths were recorded after a survey. However, he stated that all victims had pre-existing chronic conditions. During the check-up of more than 100 villagers, only common illnesses like seasonal infections were found.
Still, residents argue that chronic illnesses are being worsened by the daily use of toxic water something the quick health checks may not fully capture.

Political Leaders Call for Accountability

Local MP Rajkumar Sangwan acknowledged the seriousness of the issue. He stressed that both the Pollution Control Board and district administration must act immediately if mills are indeed releasing untreated waste into water bodies.
“While the contaminated drain is the immediate concern,” he said, “we also need to address the larger issue of poor healthcare facilities in Baghpat.”

Conclusion

This tragic incident is a wake-up call. Contaminated water doesn’t just cause stomach infections it can lead to organ failure, cancer, and even death, especially in the elderly or those with chronic health problems.

Authorities must:

Test and monitor water quality regularly
Stop illegal dumping of industrial waste
Provide safe drinking water and filters to villagers
Improve local healthcare access and facilities

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.