Havoc of Ganga

 Everyone knows about the horrifying news that over 2000 dead bodies were found within 1140 kilometers in Uttar Pradesh on the banks of the Ganga river. These dead bodies in Ganga have always been a concern for anti-pollution bodies because this causes severe pollution in the river water. But recently the problem has blown up due to the increasing deaths because of Covid-19 in India. Thousands of dead bodies are being buried on the bank of the Ganga. There are high chances of these dead bodies ending up in the water of the Ganga river. 

Source: livemint.com

Why banks of the Ganga river has become saturated with dead bodies?

As the news of floating dead bodies in Ganga created a buzz among people and the government, the people started asking the reason behind this unfortunate event. There are mainly two reasons behind which have created this havoc. One is related to religion and the other is related to the economy.

• Religious reason

Many religious groups are following the custom of burying dead bodies on the banks of the Ganga river. Mainly such practices are followed in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. These people were burying the dead bodies of their loved ones after their death since ancestral times. But when the death rate increased tremendously in India due to Covid-19, the number of buried dead bodies on the bank of the Ganga river multiplied largely. 

Source: livelaw

• Economical reason

The final rites in India require to follow many customs and rituals. This cuts the pocket of people belonging to financially weak sections. The underprivileged and poor people can’t afford the cost of wood and other stuff that is required for the funeral. So these people choose to bury the dead bodies on the shore of the Ganga river. As covid-19 snatched away many lives of poor people, they are also left with the choice of burying the dead bodies of their loved ones.

The dead bodies buried on the shore of the Ganga river ended up floating in the waters because of rain and region saturation. The dead bodies in Ganga are a serious issue regarding the concern of increasing water pollution as well.

Repercussions of dead bodies in Ganga

The floating dead bodies in Ganga aren’t just showing the unfortunate phase of human life but also cause severe bad impacts to the waters of our holy Ganga.

• Increased organic matter

There are huge chances of these dead bodies ending up in the waters of the Ganga river from the banks. This will increase the amount of organic matter in the Ganga river. These dead bodies take months to decompose. This will be a serious issue for water pollution levels of the Ganga river. The dead bodies in Ganga will severely pollute the river water.

• Increased BOD

BOD stands for biological oxygen demand. An increased level of BOD signifies the increased amount of required oxygen to break down organic matter. If the aerobic microbes consume more oxygen then it will directly affect the amount of dissolved oxygen in the waters of the Ganga river, this will be very hazardous for aquatic animals.

Source: times now

What steps are taken by the government?
Fortunately, central and state government has also taken this issue in their immediate consideration. The government has issued orders for heavy patrolling at the Ganga riverside to prevent the dumping of more dead bodies on the banks of the Ganga river. The government has also ordered other crematoria with existing 13 to provide their services in Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh government has also sanctioned Rs.5000 as financial aid for the final rites of dead bodies.

In Bihar, the government has decided to cover all the expenses of the cremation of those who have died due to Covid-19. The patrolling has become more strict especially in Buxar and Saran.