Environmentalist to fast to save Ganga

Uttarkashi, Jun 12 (UNI) Noted environmentalist G D Agarwal will sit on a fast unto death here tomorrow demanding to save the sacred Ganga from various hydro-projects of the state government.

Dr Agarwal will observe fast at Manikarnika Ghat of this District on the occasion of Ganga Dusherra tomorrow, to insist that the Bhagirathi river be allowed to flow uninterrupted in its original form.

According to district authorities, the local masses are not lending support to the 74 year -old's agitation, which also has the participation of Magsaysay winners Rajendra Singh and M C Mehta and former General Secretary of the BJP N Govindacharya.

Talking to UNI, District Collector Minakshi Sundaram said the fast was being organised by various NGOs and activists and the locals were not involved in it . Also, the route of the Gangotry Yatra would not be affected, he said.

Medical experts would monitor the health of those sitting on the fast and in case of any emergency, they would be taken to hospital, he said.

Incidentally, Chief Minister B C Khanduri, while launching the 480 MW Pala Maneri Hydro-project yesterday said the state government was aware of the effects of these hydro-projects on the environment and population.

UNI PB RSA KP1630