Environmentalists have expressed concern over the apathy of the State Government and even the Opposition over the fast-unto-death started by Shivanand Saraswati of Matri Sadan against illegal quarrying along Ganga river.
Environmentalist Suresh Bhai of Nadi Bachao Abhiyan said, “Shivanand Saraswati has been struggling against illegal quarrying in the Ganga for many years now. His student Swami Nigamanand has already laid down his life while on a fast-unto-death against this illegal quarrying. The higher court had also directed the State Government to take necessary measures regarding illegal quarrying in the Ganga. In the recent past, on the request and assurance of Chief Minister Harish Rawat and Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee President Kishore Upadhyay, Shivanand had discontinued his fast but the illegal quarrying did not end. Frustrated by hollow assurances given by the Government, Shivanand is now advancing towards giving up his life by undertaking a tough fast in a closed room. In this difficult time, it is vital to protect his life. His penance is aimed at stopping illegal quarrying in the Ganga, something which only the State Government can ensure. Necessary steps need to be taken by the State Government without delay to do justice to the Ganga and also to save the Swami’s life,” said the environmentalist.
Suresh Bhai expressed concern stating that even the opposition party BJP doesn't appear to be bothered about the fast unto death started by Shivanand. It is vital to take necessary measures to save the ascetic’s life otherwise the State will be stained by his death, he added.