Anna Hazare reaching Mumbai on Dec 26 for 3-day fast

The MMRDA ground in suburban Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) here awaits the arrival of Anna Hazare, who is expected to reach here on December 26 for his three-day protest fast against government's weak Lokpal Bill.

"Anna will leave Ralegan Siddhi on December 26 afternoon and reach Mumbai by road late evening," his associate Datta Awari told PTI over phone from the village.

The 48,000 sq m Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) ground has a capacity to accommodate over 60,000 people. However, the authority will be renting out 20,000 sq m for the rally and 10,000 sq m for parking.

The MMRDA has specified December 26 for pandal installation and December 30 for its removal. Team Anna has paid Rs 7.78 lakh as rent and Rs 5.29 lakh as refundable security deposit for the rally.

Preparations for the event are in full swing. IAC sources said that at the venue, a room attached with toilet will be provided to Hazare, along with a cot and a continuous supply of hot water. The Gandhian has caught cold and is convalescing at his village. IAC volunteer N Srinivas, an architect, will design the stage.

"There will be an invitee room for the Core Committee members and a visitors' room. There will be separate rooms for security, medical and police personnel. Ambulance services will be present 24 hours a day.

"A team of doctors, comprising volunteers, will be present. We will have an information centre, a media room and a registration counter," IAC coordinator Mayank Gandhi said.

Hazare and key members of his team Arvind Kejriwal and Kiran Bedi are scheduled to fast with him in Mumbai, while some others in the Team Anna will undertake a fast in Delhi.