Archive · 22 Jul 2026
Legacy of Swami Gyan Swaroop Sanand's 111-Day Fast for Ganga
Swami Gyan Swaroop Sanand, a scientist and environmental activist, went on a 111-day hunger strike to save the Ganga River.
He wanted the government to pass a law to protect the river and stop activities like dam construction and pollution that harm it.
Sadly, he died during his protest, but his efforts inspired many people to continue working to keep the Ganga clean and healthy.
His legacy lives on through the actions of volunteers and scientists who are dedicated to preserving the river for future generations.
Swami Gyan Swaroop Sanand, a former IIT professor and environmental engineer, fasted for 111 days to demand the protection of the Ganga River.
His key demands included a Ganga Protection Act, a halt to hydropower projects, and action against illegal mining and pollution.
Despite his efforts, the Ganga Protection Act was not passed in the form he proposed.
His activism inspired ongoing conservation efforts by citizens and scientists, including clean-up drives and awareness campaigns.
Sanand's legacy continues to influence the movement to protect the Ganga and its natural flow.
- Who
- Swami Gyan Swaroop Sanand (formerly Guru Das Agrawal), an environmental engineer and activist
- What
- A 111-day hunger strike to demand the protection of the Ganga River
- When
- From 22 June 2018 to 11 October 2018
- Where
- Matri Sadan Ashram in Haridwar, India
- Why
- To advocate for the Ganga's natural flow, legal protections, and conservation
Environmental Activists
Government and Industrial Interests
River Conservation vs. Development
Environmental Activists
Environmental activists argue that the Ganga's natural flow must be preserved to maintain its ecological health, emphasizing the need for legal protections and strict regulations against pollution and dam construction.
Government and Industrial Interests
Government and industrial interests often prioritize development projects, such as hydropower dams and sand mining, which they argue are necessary for economic growth and energy production.
Legal Protections for the Ganga
Environmental Activists
Activists like Swami Gyan Swaroop Sanand advocated for a Ganga Protection Act to ensure the river's conservation and uninterrupted flow.
Government and Industrial Interests
The government has not passed the Ganga Protection Act in the form proposed by activists, indicating a lack of commitment to stringent legal protections for the river.
- Full Name
- Guru Das Agrawal (Swami Gyan Swaroop Sanand)
- Profession
- Environmental Engineer, Former IIT Professor
- Notable Achievements
- First Member-Secretary of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Advocate for Ganga Conservation
- Date of Death
- 11 October 2018
- Cause of Death
- Cardiac Arrest during a hunger strike
- Duration of Final Fast
- 111 days
- Key Demands
- Ganga Protection Act, Halt to Hydropower Projects, Action Against Illegal Mining
- Impact
- Inspired ongoing conservation efforts by citizens and scientists