Over 10 Cattle Die After Consuming Toxic Water in Rewari Village: Villagers Blame Industrial Waste

Rewari, Haryana News : In a deeply disturbing incident that has sparked outrage in the local community, more than 10 cattle were found dead in Banipur village of Rewari district on Friday. Villagers claim the livestock died after consuming water contaminated by chemical waste allegedly discharged by nearby industrial units.

Join WhatsApp

Join Now

Join Telegram

Join Now

The tragedy unfolded when several villagers noticed their cattle falling ill after drinking water from a local source. By Friday afternoon, over a dozen cattle had died, sending shockwaves through the rural community, which heavily depends on livestock for their livelihood.

Villagers Allege Toxic Waste Dumped by Factories

Local residents have pointed fingers at nearby industrial units, accusing them of releasing untreated or hazardous chemical waste into the surrounding environment, including water bodies used by the village for cattle and domestic purposes.

“This is not the first time something like this has happened,” said Ramesh Yadav, a local farmer who lost three of his cows in the incident. “We have been raising concerns about water pollution for years, but the authorities have never taken serious action. Now our animals are dead, and we are left with nothing.”

Residents allege that some factories operating in the industrial zone adjoining the village have been discharging harmful chemicals during the night into nearby drains that ultimately mix with the village’s open water sources.

Protest Breaks Out Outside Industrial Units

In response to the deaths and the lack of immediate action, dozens of villagers gathered on Saturday morning outside the suspected industrial units. They staged a protest, demanding accountability from the companies and compensation for their losses.

Slogans were raised, and angry villagers held placards that read “Stop Killing Our Animals,” and “We Want Justice.” Despite the increasing tension, no representatives from the industrial units came out to address the crowd or offer any explanation.

“We demand that the administration take strict action against the guilty industries,” said Seema Devi, another affected villager. “Our cattle are like family to us. These deaths are not just financial losses; they are emotional blows.”

Administration Begins Preliminary Probe

An official from the Rewari district administration, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that while no formal complaint had been filed as of Saturday morning, water samples had been collected from the affected site.

Also Read:

Check Whether Fuel Rates in Your City Got Cheaper or Costlier : Petrol Diesel Price Today

“We have taken water samples and sent them for laboratory testing. Based on the results, appropriate legal and environmental action will be initiated,” the official said. He also urged villagers to submit a written complaint so that a formal investigation could be initiated.

The Haryana Pollution Control Board (HPCB) has also been informed of the incident. Environmental officers are expected to visit the site in the coming days to assess the situation further.

Experts Warn of Long-Term Environmental Damage

Environmental experts and activists have long raised concerns about unchecked industrial pollution in rural and semi-urban parts of Haryana. Incidents such as the one in Banipur village underscore the need for stricter monitoring and enforcement of environmental norms.

“If untreated waste is being dumped into natural water bodies, it not only affects livestock but also enters the food chain, posing a threat to human health,” warned Dr. Shalini Kapoor, an environmental scientist. “The government needs to ensure proper waste disposal mechanisms are in place, and industries must be held accountable.”

Impact on Rural Livelihoods

For farmers and villagers in Banipur, the loss of their cattle is a heavy blow. Cattle not only provide milk but also play a crucial role in agricultural tasks such as plowing and transporting goods. For many households, cattle are a primary source of income.

“We are already facing financial difficulties due to rising costs and falling agricultural returns,” said Mahavir Singh, a small-scale farmer. “Now losing our cattle is like losing our only support system.”

Villagers are now demanding that the district administration compensate them for their losses. Some have even requested that the government provide alternative clean water sources to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Legal Framework for Environmental Violations

As per Indian environmental law, any factory found guilty of releasing untreated toxic waste into the environment can face hefty fines, suspension of licenses, and even criminal charges under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

If lab reports confirm contamination due to industrial activity, the implicated factories could be penalized and forced to pay compensation to the affected farmers. However, villagers remain skeptical about whether justice will be served.

“This is not just about dead cattle; this is about our right to clean water and a safe environment,” said local youth activist Ankit Rao. “If the administration does not take strict action, we will escalate our protest to the district headquarters.”

The Role of Government and Industry

Also Read:

There has always been a tough competition between Punjab and RCB, know in statistics who prevailed over whom

This tragic incident brings to light a larger issue—the disconnect between industrial growth and environmental sustainability. As industries continue to expand in Haryana, the need for strict regulatory compliance becomes more urgent.

While economic development is necessary, it should not come at the cost of rural lives and environmental degradation. Authorities must ensure that industries adopt proper waste management systems and are regularly inspected for compliance.

Moreover, public awareness and participation must be encouraged. Villagers must be educated about environmental laws and their rights so they can take timely action when they observe violations.

• As the villagers wait for the test results and official response, tension continues to simmer in Banipur. The community is united in their demand for justice and is planning further demonstrations if no action is taken soon.
• In the meantime, local leaders have called for a panchayat meeting to discuss collective steps the village can take, including legal options and submitting a formal complaint against the suspected industries.
• This incident serves as a grim reminder of the environmental challenges facing India’s rural belt amid rapid industrialization. Unless timely action is taken, such tragedies may become all too common, jeopardizing both human and animal life.