AFP Photo People living near the banks of the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have been witnessing a ghastly sight of dead bodies washing up on the river bank. According to a report, over 2,000 bodies in various UP districts were found to be hastily buried or abandoned along the banks of the holy river. This have sparked fears about the scale of the COVID-19 crisis in the country, especially in rural areas. Authorities believe the relatives of those who succumbed to the virus, may not have been able to find space for the last rites. Terming it "undesirable and alarming", the Centre has directed the state governments to prevent dumping of dead bodies in Ganga and focus on their safe disposal. "The country is facing an extraordinary situation wherein a number of COVID-19 cases and consequential deaths have been on the rise in many States and UTs in the recent past. Dumping of dead bodies/ partially burnt or decomposed corpses in the river Ganga and its tributaries have recently been reported. This is most undesirable and alarming," a government release said.