Environmentalists and activists have raised questions at the circumstances leading to the demise of Swami Gyan Swaroop Sanand with some of them demanding lodging of cases against the Union Ministers who had delayed action on his demands. Others have stressed that the demands he was supporting for conservation of the Ganga river will be worked upon with much more vigour now.
Noted environmentalist Sunderlal Bahuguna said that the Ganga river continues to face various problems. Large dams and mining pose a serious threat to the river and its ecology, he said.
Mallika Bhanot of Ganga Ahvahan questioned the Government’s response to the demands raised by Sanand. The Government showed a complete lack of sensitivity towards the issue and situation. “The authorities should not think that the issue of Ganga rejuvenation he fought for would be suppressed with his demise. The issue will be raised now with much more vigour,” she stressed.
Vimal Bhai of Matu Jansangathan alleged that Sanand’s death was a murder perpetrated by the Government. Prima facie, a case should be lodged against the Union Ministers who deferred taking any action on his demands. "Those like the Prime Minister claiming to be the son of Ganga and Union Ministers claiming to be devotees of the Ganga did nothing while Sanand fasted for more than 100 days seeking concrete measures for saving the Ganga," he added.
Suresh Bhai of Nadi Bachao Abhiyan said that Sanand’s life had been sacrificed at a time when crores of rupees are being spent in the name of Namami Gange. His demise comes as a jolt to efforts for saving the Ganga. “He was demanding an Act for saving the Ganga but politicians claiming to be devotees of the river did not like his demand. Sanand’s sacrifice will not go in vain,” he added.