G. D. Agrawal

G. D. Agrawal

G. D. Agrawal (1932 – 2018), also known as Swami Gyan Swaroop Sanand, was an eminent Indian environmentalist, engineer, and activist. He was renowned for his efforts to protect the Ganges River and his advocacy for sustainable development in India.

Early Life and Education

G. D. Agrawal was born in 1932 in Uttar Pradesh, India. He pursued his early education in his hometown before moving to Roorkee to study civil engineering at the University of Roorkee (now Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee). He later completed his Ph.D. in environmental engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.

Career

Agrawal began his career as a professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), where he was instrumental in establishing the Department of Civil Engineering. He was also a member of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and contributed significantly to the development of environmental policies in India.

Environmental Activism

G. D. Agrawal is best known for his environmental activism, particularly his efforts to protect the Ganges River. He undertook several fasts unto death to protest against the construction of dams and other projects that he believed would harm the river's ecosystem. His activism brought significant attention to the environmental issues facing the Ganges and inspired many to join the cause.

In 2011, Agrawal renounced his worldly life and adopted the name Swami Gyan Swaroop Sanand. He continued his activism under this new identity, emphasizing the spiritual and cultural significance of the Ganges in addition to its environmental importance.

Death

G. D. Agrawal passed away on October 11, 2018, after a prolonged fast protesting against the government's inaction to protect the Ganges River. His death was widely mourned, and he is remembered as a martyr for the cause of environmental conservation in India.

Legacy

Agrawal's legacy lives on through the numerous environmental movements and policies he inspired. His work has had a lasting impact on the efforts to protect the Ganges River and has raised awareness about the importance of sustainable development in India.

See Also

• Ganges River
• Environmentalism in India
• Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee
• Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
• Central Pollution Control Board