Save Bhagirathi-Ganga

Dr. Manmohan Singh
The Honble Prime Minister of India
Government of India, South Block,
New Delhi 110 001

Subject: Dr. G.D. Agrawals fast-unto-death to save the Bhagirathi/Ganga

Respected Prime Minister,

We are writing to you about the momentous decision of Dr.G.D.Agrawal, Indias pre-eminent environmental Scientist and a legendary Professor at IIT Kanpur, to go on fast-unto-death for the conservation of River Bhagirathi/Ganga above Uttarkashi, now threatened by several proposed hydro-electric projects. We understand that these projects would result in the Bhagirathi/Ganga running dry in long stretches and over considerable period of time.

In his paper, A Critique of Loharinag-Pala, Pala-Maneri and other Hydroelectric Projects on R.Bhagirathi, Dr. Agrawal articulates his reasons for choosing this path. He points out the ample scientific data questioning the net economic, ecological and human value of these projects. It is to be emphasized that these projects will lead to the loss of bio-diversity in this ecologically sensitive area of the Himalayas, one of the 18 such hot spots in the world. Dr. Agrawal also makes it clear that at the core of his resolve is a profound belief that these projects would essentially destroy the Ganga, which - as our first Prime Minister, Late Jawahar Lal Nehru, noted famously in his book, The Discovery of India - is the very symbol of our civilization that continues to be revered by millions and is vital to our culture. Most ironically, the Environmental Impact Assessment report of the project states that no monument of historical, religious or archeological value is affected!

By offering his life, Dr. Agrawal has challenged us to critically examine not only the threat to Ganga, but also the present mode of development that threatens all our natural resources and promises nothing more than the skewed economic growth that enriches a few at the expense of the vast majority. We need to initiate a broad based debate to choose the path of development that draws upon our own experiences and is rooted in the genius of our civilization.

Dr. Agrawal, who served as the first member secretary of the Central Pollution Control Board, is a rare combination of Scientist and Rishi as is clear from the attached bio-data. We are deeply touched by his firm resolve and conviction. We believe he will carry through his resolve and therefore, we request your urgent and kind intervention to protect the Bhagirathi-Ganga and to save the life of this great man.