DHAKA: More than 100 decaying dead bodies surfaced in the river Ganga near Pariyar between Kanpur and Unnao on Tuesday.

The administration, which indicted these were reportedly bodies that are immersed in the river in the hope of salvation, was caught by surprise by the high number.

Both Kanpur and Unnao administrations have ordered an investigation into the matter and are making arrangements for the last rites.

An additional superintendent of police and additional district magistrate have been sent to the spot to oversee the arrangements.

The Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Unnao, Saryu Prasad, said, "The water has receded, which may be the reason why the bodies have floated up".

This incident brings to focus yet again the demand for some environmental organisations against human immersion in river Ganga.

In July 2014, the Narendra Modi government had instituted a Ganga Rejuvenation Department and allotted a whopping Rs. 2037 crore for the river's clean up.

BDST: 1227 HRS, JAN 14, 2015