Yogi govt deputes team to stop dumping of bodies in rivers; SDRF, PAC personnel to conduct patrolling

New Delhi: In a bid to stop people from disposing of bodies in rivers because of a local ritual or tradition and put an end to water pollution, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered regular and consistent patrolling by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC).

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) should patrol rivers, riverbanks and other water bodies frequently and ensure that no bodies are disposed of in rivers, the CM ordered, to curb the practice polluting the water streams on Friday.

The CM’s directions have come as reports of some dead bodies were found floating in the Ganga recently, it was learn that most of these bodies have been flown in the river because of a local tradition during ‘Panchak’ Nakshtra or Panchak kaal by the local villagers.

Maintain strict vigil, impose fines: CM Yogi asks Special Committees

Furthermore, the CM instructed that in villages, remote areas and towns on banks of rivers, special committees including village development officers, village heads, heads of Municipal Corporations and Civic Bodies should be formed and deployed to ensure that no one dumps bodies in rivers.

“No one should be allowed to dispose of bodies in rivers due to religious traditions,” the CM added, stressing that if need be, a fine may be imposed at the local level to prevent it.

‘Uphold human dignity, hold funerals of dead bodies’

It may be recalled that CM Yogi Adityanath had earlier asked to perform the last rites of the Covid victims with utmost respect and dignity. The municipal corporations and village Panchayats have been given budget to bear the expenses of funerals at all crematoriums, cemeteries and cremation grounds falling within the limits of the their jurisdiction.

“All those who died deserve cremation with respect. The state government has already sanctioned funds for performing the last rites,” the Chief Minister said adding that “The rivers get polluted due to bodies of human beings and animals. The government is also running a special campaign for the cleaning of rivers. Home, urban and rural development and environment departments should make a policy to prevent it.”