Selja raises alarm over rising cancer cases in Haryana

Expressing concern over the rising incidence of cancer in Haryana, which may be linked to contaminated groundwater, Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Kumari Selja on Friday called for urgent, extensive scientific research to identify the causes and demanded the establishment of a super specialty cancer hospital in Sirsa.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha during a Matter of Public Importance, she urged the authorities to examine whether polluted water sources were contributing to the growing disease burden.

Highlighting the situation in her region, Selja said the problem was particularly severe in districts such as Sirsa, Fatehabad, Jind, and Hisar, especially in areas along the Yamuna and Ghaggar belts. She stressed the need for a scientific study to assess the extent of contamination in groundwater. Pointing to the excessive use of fertilisers and chemicals, along with increasing pollution in canals, she said water sources were becoming toxic. This, she said, was adversely affecting public health and may be a key factor behind the rising incidence of cancer. “The government must immediately conduct an in-depth study to identify the causes and implement effective preventive measures,” she said. She also demanded the setting up of a cancer hospital in Sirsa, which would focus on early diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.