Corpses Floating In Ganga: NHRC Seeks Response From Centre, Govt Of UP & Bihar

The Commission has asked the Chief Secretaries of both the States and the Secretary, Union Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation), to file an action taken report within four weeks.

It noted that public authorities have failed to take concentric efforts in educating the masses and checking the immersion of half burnt or unburnt dead bodies into the river

"The practice of disposal of dead bodies in our sacred river Ganga is clearly in violation of guidelines of the National Mission for Clean Ganga project of Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation," it said.

The Commission has taken cognizance of a complaint, apprehending that these dead bodies were of Covid victims, hence, their disposal in such a manner may seriously affect all those persons who are dependent on the river for their day to day activities.

The complainant further stated that even if these dead bodies were not of Covid victims, then such practice/incidents are shameful to the society as a whole as that amounts to violation of human rights of even deceased persons.

While issuing notices, the Commission noted that the authorities failed to implement the 'River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016' which inter alia relates to measures for prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution in the river.

"No person shall do any act or carry on any project or process or activity which, notwithstanding whether such act has been mentioned in this Order or not, has the effect of causing pollution in the River Ganga," the 2016 Order states.

In related news, the Patna High Court has also take note of the incident and has sought response of Commissioner of the Districts Buxar and Kaimur.