NEW DELHI: Environmentalist Prof G D Agrawal, on hunger strike since the past 111 days for urgent steps to save the holy Ganga in Kankhal-Haridwar, died on Thursday.

The IIT professor-turned-sanyaasi (known as Swami Gyan Swaroop Sanand) was brought to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, by authorities yesterday from the venue of his fast at Kankhal following a decline in his condition.

Prof Agrawal had been observing hunger strike since June 22 for pollution free and uninterrupted flow in the Ganga all along its pristine course.

Unhappy over the Government's "apathy" to his stir and the demands, the 87-year-old IIT professor-turned -saint has hardened his stance since Tuesday afternoon by giving up water intake.

Due to continuous fast for the past 110 days, the Ganga warrior has lost more than 20 kg weight and is facing some health complications, 'Waterman of India', Dr Rajendra Singh, told UNI over telephone.

Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' in his bid to persuade the activist for not shunning water, met him twice on Tuesday but failed in his task.

In his will, Agrawal had bequeathed his body to AIIMS Rishikesh. Just yesterday, Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation Nitin Gadkari was asked about his demands by UNI at a news conference.

In response to the question, the Union Minister said Government had already notified maintenance of e-flows in the river which ensures a certain level of water.  Mr Gadkari had said Agrawal's demand for a law on Ganga was also being met as a draft Bill had been sent to the Union Cabinet for approval.

Among other measures, the law envisages construction of Sewage Treatment Plans and effluent plants by industry. It provides for penalties for polluting the river.

On the third demand for allowing Ganga flows to be 'aviral,' Mr Gadkari said that all stakeholders would be consulted on future hydro-projects in the river basin and only after that will the Ministry, in consultation with Niti Aayog and the Prime Minister's Office, take a decision.

Mr Gadkari had said Government will be able to show some outcomes by March-end next year and more results by end of 2020 March. Along with him Sanitation Minister Uma Bharti had also appealed the activist to call off his fast.