Hyderabad students strike, ask government to act on climate change

HYDERABAD: Over 200 students and parents protested on the issue of climate change at the ‘Love Hyderabad’ installation, along Necklace Road on Friday.
The protest was part of strikes across the globe planned for May 24. Co-ordinated by #FridaysForFuture, the global strike movement inspired by Swedish schoolgirl and climate change activist, Greta Thunberg, saw at least 150 teenagers demand action by the government to stop ecological damage.The strike was supported by Citizens for Hyderabad, a group promoting sustainable development.
While the larger aim of the youth-led strike across countries was to build pressure on governments to cut greenhouse gas emissions, protesters here raised local issues too. Among their demands was an open house discussion with K T Rama Rao regarding climate change. They also wanted the strategic road development plan (SRDP) to be put on hold till the environmental impact assessment report was brought out, mass transit systems to be developed, roads to be made pedestrian-friendly, axing of trees in Chevella to be stopped and for Bison Polo Grounds to be saved.
Harshita Devavarapu, a student, said, “Our exams ended today (on Friday), and we are striking to put in action what we have learned in school. Climate change is not some abstract concept, it is taking lives and destroying ecological diversity.”
Another protesting student, Mahek Charania, said, “Climate change is the biggest threat to people. I know if I do not act now, the destruction will be irreversible.”
Backing students, was Kajal Maheshwari, a parent striker, who said, “One cannot ignore the voice of youth. They are the future voters. They are striking now because by the time they exercise their franchise, the damage would be done.”