BJP MLA Sailendra Kumar’s fast-unto-death against the alleged laxity in tackling erosion by the Kosi rolled into its second day on Monday.

Sources said his condition deteriorated on Tuesday. The MLA had refused to drink water and reportedly fainted on Monday evening at Mircha Ghat, on the banks of the river.

The area falls under Bhawanpura panchayat of Kharik block of Naugachia sub-division, around 32km north of the district headquarters.

He has alleged a step-motherly attitude by the state government and the water resources department for ignoring the damage of property in the villages owing to erosion.

Dr Indushekhar from Kharik primary health centre, who has been camping at the site with other medical staff, said the blood pressure of Sailendra on Monday morning was 110/70 and a dehydration problem was noticed.

“We live in sub-human conditions and have no facilities like in towns and cities. The government has turned a deaf ear to our plight. For the first time in this backward region, an MLA has staged a hunger strike for us,” said Bhibu Yadav, a resident of Mircha.

Talking to The Telegraph, Sailendra said: “In Naugachia sub-division, crores have been spent every year in flood fighting but despite erosion by the Kosi for the past four-five years, the detailed project report sent by the chief engineer, water resource department, Bhagalpur, to the state government was neglected.”

However, despite several attempts, Bhagalpur district magistrate Birendra Kumar Yadav and Naugachia sub-divisional officer Akilesh Kumar were not available for comment.

Abdesh Kumar Jha, executive engineer water resources department, and the sub-divisional officer of the department, Naugachia circle, Binoy Gupta, requested Sailendra to withdraw his fast but in vain.

“I will not end my hunger strike till the officials and the Bhagalpur district magistrate assures me in writing to start anti-erosion work on the Mircha Ratnapura river bank,” Sailendra said.

The officials said they apprise their senior officials about the situation. Raman Sinha, block development officer, Kharik, and the circle officer, Indrajit Kumar, also tried to convince Sailendra to end his agitation. They too were turned down.

“We have intimated our higher officials and waiting for their instruction,” Sinha said. When asked about Sailendra’s deteriorating health, he said doctors from the primary health centre have been asked to monitor the situation. “If required, Sailendra would be arrested and provided food,” he said.