Toxic Drain Blamed for Spike in Young Cancer Cases in Haryana

As of November 5th, 2025, the Nuh district administration and Haryana health department have launched an investigation into a concerning rise in cancer cases in Falendi village. Over the past few months, at least 25 cancer patients, including people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, have been reported in the village, several of whom have died.

Preliminary findings suggest that carcinogenic elements in the Ujina drain may have contaminated the groundwater used for drinking and irrigation in Falendi and surrounding villages. The drain, which eventually merges into the Yamuna river, supplies water to around 10-12 villages across Nuh, Tauru, Ferozepur Jhirka and Punhana.

Falendi's sarpanch (village head) Mohammad Asgar has blamed the polluted drain for the alarming surge in cancer cases over the last four years. Many families have been forced to leave the village or spend huge sums on treatment in cities like Gurugram, Faridabad, and Jaipur.

The district administration is now compiling data to verify the exact number of cases and deaths reported. Health department teams will soon visit Falendi and neighboring villages to conduct a comprehensive environmental and epidemiological study, analyzing water, soil, air, lifestyle, and genetic factors. Officials have assured that necessary interventions will be undertaken to ensure residents have access to clean and safe water.