The Uttar Pradesh government ordered a probe after over 100 human bodies were found in the river Ganga posing a major environmental hazard. The dead bodies were found in a canal which connects Periyar Ghat to Ganga river in Unnao district. Reports said that dogs and vultures were seen eating the flesh. Police said that the bodies may have been exposed after water levels receded. Cremations are frequently held at the Periyar Ghat. A district official, Suraj Prasad, promised action after probe. "I have asked the police and my staff to probe it. Action will be taken after the probe how the bodies came into it. It could be that some bodies were submerged after the death. They came on the back due to low water level," said Prasad.Unnao resident Alok Dixit said, "The environment is being polluted and it is a very shameful thing. Both the federal government and state government are responsible for it." Activist Mallika Bhanot said it was unfortunate how traditions were posing health hazard. "It's a tradition that certain dead bodies like children, unmarried men, sadhus are not cremated but immersed into the river. The problem is that river flow is not being maintained. This is not just in Unnao. The incident took place even as the Narendra Modi government is chalking out a plan to clean up the Ganga.
