Opposing dams on Ganga, octogenarian announces fast

Jotirmay Thapliyal

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 27

Peeved with little efforts put in for the cause of Ganga, 86-year-old Prof GD Agarwal, an eminent environmental scientist and former professor of environmental sciences at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), who is also known as a saint-scientist, has again announced to observe fast shortly against construction of dams on river Ganga.

The announcement came at a meeting of social activists and environmentalists held at Srinagar Garhwal in Pauri district of the state today. Swami Gyan Swaroop Sanand, formerly known as Prof GD Agarwal, asserted that little sincere efforts had been made for the cause of conservation of Ganga.

“It will be four years in May when the Central government will complete four years in office but nothing has been done so far for the cause of Ganga”, Prof GD Agarwal said. He said the proposed Ganga Act was still to see the light of the day.

A crusader for conservation of Ganga, who is credited with observing marathon fasts for the cause of Ganga, vehemently criticised construction of dams on the holy river. He said the construction of dams like Vishnugaad Peepalkoti and Singoli-Bhatwari must not take place in the larger interests of general public and the environment. 

Prof Agarwal said he had written to the Prime Minister against construction of dams on Ganga and was still awaiting a response.Prof GD Agarwal had earlier staged fast unto death on a couple of occasions particularly for restoring the natural flow in river Bhagirathi (Ganga) from Gangotri to Uttarkashi. 

Eminent economist Dr Bharat Jhunjhunwala said he was optimistic that despite all odds the people will not lose hope and continue with their struggle against dams being constructed on Ganga and personalities like Prof GD Agarwal will be an inspiration for them.