Sanjay Rai, 50, of Sherpur village in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur district, has set up firewood depots at cremation grounds on the Ganga’s bank to assist poor people in performing the last rites of their kin rather than dumping the bodies in the water. Dozens of bodies of alleged Covid-19 patients have washed up on the banks of the Ganga in Ghazipur in recent days, raising questions about potential river water pollution, which may contribute to further dissemination of the virus.
Rai, who owns a company in Gujarat, was in his village of Ghazipur when reports of villagers dumping bodies in the Ganga surfaced, prompting shocking videos and photographs to circulate on social media.
“People from all over the country called me to find out the facts. The disposal of bodies and floating remains in the river seemed disgraceful,” Rai added.
He addressed the problem with his colleagues and family members and agreed to construct a firewood bank on one of the river’s nine cremations “ghats.” “We informed the district administration about the plan and… transported firewood obtained from timber merchants from various districts.” “The firewood banks were launched on May 14 near the nine cremation grounds,” Rai explained.
The bank is providing free wood for the poor people’s last rites, and volunteers are working hard to keep the supply at all nine depots stocked. “In addition to assisting the poor, we are trying to shield the Ganga from pollution,” Rai said.
The average cost of firewood for a single pyre is $5,000. Rai has spent nearly 3 lakh dollars so far to cremate 60 bodies. He also received assistance from relatives and friends in raising funds for the good cause.
According to the district administration, an awareness drive has begun, and the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) is undertaking patrols to discourage villagers from dumping the bodies in the water. The newly elected gram pradhans have been instructed to contact the district administration for assistance with last rites if necessary. Rai’s plan, they add, has also made a difference.
