Hazare begins 3-day fast; heavy security at MMRDA

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Anna Hazare begins his three-day fast against the 'weak' Lokpal Bill tabled by the government in Parliament.
Mr Hazare, who reached Mumbai last night from his village Ralegan Siddhi, will pay respects at Mahatma Gandhi's statue in Juhu and proceed to the fast venue, MMRDA ground, in suburban Bandra in a rally.

Health concerns

Amid concerns over his health as he was suffering from viral infection, Hazare had yesterday said he will go ahead with his protest and claimed that his movement was not against any side, person or party.

"Although today is a working day, we are confident about offering a strong, overwhelming reception to our 74-year -old veteran, who is leaving no stone unturned for the betterment of our very own future," an IAC spokesperson said.

His medical coordinators have held detailed discussions with doctors at the Asian Heart Institute (AHI) in Bandra-Kurla Complex which is a stone's throw away from the strike venue - the sprawling MMRDA ground - in the past couple of days, an official from the hospital said.

Ratna Magotra, Hazare's medical coordinator for Mumbai, called on senior doctors at the AHI who have agreed to provide help during any medical emergency involving Hazare.

A fully-equipped ambulance would remain on stand-by at the venue and the hospital would be prepared to assist with any emergency treatment if the activist needs it, the official said.

Route through Mumbai

The rally will pass through Santacruz, Tulip Star hotel, Mithibai college, S.V. Road, Vile Parle, Khar and Bandra Highway. Maharashtra government has said all necessary security arrangements have been made for the stir in Mumbai.

Additional Chief Secretary (Home) U.C. Sarangi chaired a high-level meeting yesterday where he reviewed the law and order situation and security scenario in the city ahead of Hazare's fast.

Police have fortified the fast venue by deploying 2000 police constables and 200 sub-inspectors of police, six platoons of state reserve police force, three teams of Quick Response Team and two Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads.

The ground has six emergency exits, 16 fire extinguishers, six metal detector units and round-the-clock ambulance services.