Patkar's health deteriorates on Day 11 of hunger strike

The health of social activist Medha Patkar and 11 others, who are on an indefinite hunger strike, deteriorated as their fast entered its 11th day on Sunday.

The "Narmada Bachao Andolan" founder began fasting in Dhar's Chikhalda village on July 27, demanding proper rehabilitation and resettlement of those affected by the Sardar Sarovar Project.

Her organisation claims that thousands of houses would face submergence once the gates of the Sardar Sarovar Dam in neighbouring Gujarat were closed.

The state government had sent a delegation to meet with the agitators on Saturday but the talks, which lasted around five hours, were unsuccessful as Patkar demanded that the gates be opened and they expressed their inability in this regard.

Patkar has been gaining support from various political parties and literary organisations, while Janata Dal-United leader Sharad Yadav and former legislator Dr Sunilam are among the many who have urged her to break the fast.

The protest has put tremendous pressure over Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan who is yet to speak to Patkar directly, despite her demanding so.

--IANS

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