Groundwater in 5 Greater Noida Villages Unsafe for Drinking: Cancer-Causing Chemicals Detected

Greater Noida: A serious environmental and public health concern has emerged in Greater Noida, where groundwater in five villages has been found to be unfit for consumption. Continuous consumption of this water may increase the risk of severe diseases, including cancer. This revelation comes from a joint study conducted by Galgotias University and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), published recently in the International Journal of Clinical Epigenetics.

Researchers collected groundwater samples from five villages, including Dujana, Sadhupur, Bisanoli, and two others. Laboratory tests conducted after the monsoon revealed that chromium levels were nearly 60 times higher than the safe limit. Toxic metals like cadmium were also detected at dangerously high levels, posing long-term health risks.

Under the leadership of Prof. Abhimanyu Kumar Jha, Dean of the Department of Biosciences and Technology at Galgotias University, researchers examined blood samples of 25 cancer patients from these villages. Tests showed that 64% of the patients had specific genetic changes that further increase cancer risk.

Two-Year Study Highlights Long-Term Danger
Prof. Jha explained that heavy metals such as chromium and cadmium disable the body’s natural cancer-fighting mechanisms and permanently damage DNA. The study spanned nearly two years, and its findings were published in October 2025. AKTU researchers Runjhun Mathur, Prof. S.P. Shukla, and Dr. Gaurav Saini were also part of the team. Scientists warn that these slow-acting toxins accumulate in the body over time, damaging critical organs like the kidneys, liver, and lungs.

Urgent Action Needed
The report recommends strict monitoring of industrial waste disposal, regular groundwater testing, and immediate provision of alternative safe drinking water in affected areas. Without timely intervention, severe health impacts are expected in the coming years.

A.K. Singh, General Manager (Projects) of the Greater Noida Authority, stated that potable water is being provided to the villages through pipelines, similar to other sectors. Remaining areas are being connected, and temporary arrangements such as distribution of treated water are also underway. Efforts continue to ensure that all residents have access to clean drinking water.