“Dialogue should be initiated with religious leaders and people should be sensitised on the issue. The government is also increasing patrolling along the river,” he said.

Chief secretary RK Tiwari also issued directions to all DMs, commissioners and senior police officials asking them to ensure that no bodies were disposed of in rivers. He said the bodies found in the river till now could be infected with coronavirus and it would not just pollute the rivers but could also lead to a health crisis.

Taking a serious note of dead bodies found floating in rivers in Varanasi, Ghazipur, Ballia, Unnao and Chandauli districts, the CM had on Friday directed the State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) and PAC to stop people from dumping bodies in rivers. He said fine should be imposed on people indulging in the practice.

He directed gram pradhans and village development officers in rural areas, and nagar nigam and corporators in urban areas to form committees to reach out to people residing close to rivers and sensitize them on the issue.

“Those who are losing lives deserve dignity in death and the government has allocated funds for their last rites. Bodies of those who die unattended or not given a decent cremation should not be dumped in rivers. Their last rites must be performed according to their religious beliefs,” Yogi said.