Dharia discharged from hospital

Pune, Nov 16 (UNI) Noted Environmentalist Mohan Dharia who has undertaken an indefinite fast to press for farmer's issue was discharged today from a city hospital where he was admitted yesterday after complaining of chest pain.

Dharia had undertaken the fast two days ago and was rushed to Poona Hospital last evening where he was kept under observation throughout the night before being discharged early this morning.

Dharia's close associate Chandrakant Hirgude said that there was no cause to worry but the veteran leader has been advised complete rest due to his advancing age.

Dharia, however, is continuing his fast at his Vanrai office.

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi and State Minister for social welfare Harshavardhan Patil have called on him, he said.

Dharia's demands include immediate waiver of loans and accruing interest of farmers owning less than two hectares of land, in the facilities in drought prone areas irrespective of the size of their farm lands, money lenders, giving loans to farmers at high rates of interest be declared 'illegal' and police protection for the servent and the rate of interest on loans given to farmers be reduced to four per cent.

UNI DWN MJ/OBB YA RK1820