Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Pal Singh Tomar criticized the toxicity of Kali, Yamuna, and Hindon rivers, accusing them of becoming a "cancer-causing agent" for over 100 villages in the area, according to a Times of India report.

Tomar, a BJP MP, attributed the discharge of effluents from sugar and paper mills as the cause of this pollution in the rivers. He stated -

"Samples collected from the Kaliriver revealed a complete absence of oxygen, rendering it unsuitable not just for drinking, but also for irrigation."  

Residents of Saini and Chilora villages expressed concerns about the dire situation caused by rivers.

Rivers Causing Cancer

The report shows 100-150 cancer deaths in neighboring villages due to river contamination, according to Meerut Zila Panchayat member Gaurav Chaudhary.

A resident from Chilora village shared that he experienced the tragic loss of his 35-year-old wife and two uncles aged 56 and 60, all due to cancer.

Villagers informed the publication that water from tube wells and hand pumps has become polluted due to untreated industrial and urban waste.

Tomar of the BJP has called upon the Centre to step in and take immediate action.

The report reveals 18 sewage treatment plants (STPs) with a capacity of 180 MLD for water treatment, but these plants are unsuitable for producing drinking water, according to an officer at the UP Pollution Control Board.

Polluted Rivers In India

In 2018, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) identified 351 polluted river segments in India, with Maharashtra having the largest count at 53, followed by Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal, and Karnataka.