Activists to intensify activist, IIT Kanpur Professor GD Agrawal's stir; fast enters 23rd day

NEW DELHI: Human rights and river activists have announced to intensify the stir being spearheaded by environmentalist Prof GD Agrawal (Swami Gyan Swaroop Sanand) of Haridwar for the cause of the Ganga even as the indefinite hunger strike by the IIT professor-turned saint entered the 23rd day on Saturday.

The groups of activists and dignitaries, joined by former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat and 'Waterman' Dr Rajendra Singh, have been gathering support from political leadership, to appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for saving the life of Prof Agrawal.

They are also planning a yatra from Rishikesh to New Delhi and hold a sit-in again at the Rajghat on July 20.

The activists met Congress President Rahul Gandhi and rebel JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav yesterday to seek their support and raise the issue in Parliament during the upcoming Monsoon session.

Dr Singh told UNI that Prof. GD Agarwal alias Swami Gyan Swaroop Sanand happens to be the first Member Secretary to the Central Pollution Control Board(CPCB). Indira Gandhi acknowledged his persona and appointed him as the first Member Secretary of CPBC to protect the environment. He has been on hunger strike several times in the past.

"Agarwal yet again put his life at stake for the Ganga. Today is 23nd day of his fast, time is running out. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who declared himself the son of Ganga and had pledged for making it 'aviral' (flowing adequately) and 'nirmal' (pure and unpolluted), should deliver on his promises", Dr Singh said.

The previous Manmohan Singh government had stopped all projects under construction such as Loharinag-Pala Hydropower and two other projects and all developments on river Bahirathee to save Ganga.

"I appreciate Harish Rawat and all the river activists across the country who came to Delhi and held prayers in Rajghat", he said.