Starting from a small commercial center known as the Mandi, the city grew in importance after the 1857 mutiny and became the headquarters of Baghpat tehsil.

Notably, Chandrashekhar Azad sought refuge in Baghpat after the Kakori Train Action, a significant event in the Indian independence movement.

[7][8][9][10] The NGT has criticised local authorities for failing to provide clean drinking water to residents despite multiple directives.

Reports indicate dangerously high levels of arsenic in the groundwater, posing severe health risks, including cancer and physical deformities.

Villages along the Hindon, Krishni, and Kali rivers are particularly affected, with residents suffering from skin diseases, congenital deformities, and cancer due to heavy metals and toxins in the water.

[7][8][9] The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has reported declining groundwater levels and quality issues in Bagpat district, particularly in Binauli, Pilana, and Khekra blocks.

[7][8][9] To address these challenges, the NGT has ordered scientific studies of groundwater quality and directed the Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam to ensure the supply of clean drinking water to affected villages.

[7][8][9][11][12] According to the 2011 census, Bagpat district has a population of 1,303,048,[5] which is roughly equal to that of African nation of Mauritius[14] or the US state of New Hampshire.

[19] Additional district magistrate is Pankaj Verma and chief development officer is Neeraj Kumar Srivastava.

[4][25] The district is known for its home furnishing industry, which produces items like bedsheets, towels and mattresses, that are supplied across the country.