Ganga activist on indefinite fast taken to hospital

Dehradun: Save Ganga activist GD Aggarwal, who has been on indefinite fast since June this year to protest against hydel-projects on the river's tributaries in Uttarakhand, was brought to a city hospital today after his condition worsened.

The 81-year-old activist was brought to Doon hospital at 2 am after a team of doctors examined his condition in the presence of senior administrative officials at Haridwar's Matrisadan Ashram, official sources said.

Mr Aggarwal, also called Swami Gyanswaroop Sanand, had stopped consuming water, honey and lime water on September 21 when his fast entered the 101st day.

He was brought to the Doon Hospital as his pulse rate and ketone levels in urine were high, a doctor said.

The hydel-projects being opposed by the activist include 330 MW Srinagar Hydropower project on the Alaknanda, 99 MW Singhol-Bhatwari hyropower project, 70 MW Phata Byom hydel-project on the Mandakini and the 440 MW Tapovan Vishnughat-Peepalkoti on the Alaknanda.

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However, Mr Aggarwal expressed determination to go ahead with his 'Nirjala Vrat' saying threat to these rivers by the dams being built on them is more important than his own life.

"Come what may, I will continue my fast till my demands are conceded," he said.

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Mr Aggarwal, who began his indefinite fast on June 13, was surviving on liquid food but on September 21 as his protest entered its 101st day, he decided to stop taking even water.