New Delhi: The Centre today directed States to prevent dumping of dead bodies in Ganga and focus on their safe disposal and providing support for ensuring dignified cremation.
“Dumping of dead bodies/ partially burnt or decomposed corpses in the river Ganga and its tributaries have recently been reported. This is most undesirable and alarming”, the Ministry of Jal Shakti said.
“Stopping of dumping of dead bodies as well as their safe disposal and protection of water quality has to be attended to on war footing,” It said.
The government said along with action to stop dumping of dead bodies in river, states were also directed that burying of dead bodies in sand must also be prevented.
“Support for cremation needs to be given top priority for safe and dignified cremation. Effective implementation of the Centre’s orders needs to be ensured and no loss of time should take place in implementation,” Centre directed the States.
The Centre’s directive comes amid reports of hundreds of suspected coronavirus-linked dead bodies found floating in river Ganga in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.