Rising public concern over air pollution

Nampally: On the eve of World Environment Day, the city denizens expressed their concern over the rising levels of pollution and deteriorating quality of air in the city.

The 19th anniversary celebrations of the 'Forum for a Better Hyderabad' which coincided with the World Environment Day, under the theme of 'air pollution' was attended by activists, officials, environmentalists, students and faculty at the Indira Priyadarshini Auditorium in Nampally here on Tuesday.

The Chairman of Forum, M Veda Kumar, who presided over the event, said that the Forum appreciated the State government's efforts in prioritising environmental protection and heritage conservation, which was serving as a model for the country. However, more could be done in this regard, he added.

R Sobha, who was the chief guest on the occasion, released the Annual Number for the year 2018-19, an annual publication release on the occasion of World Environment Day, containing articles from eminent persons on different environmental issues.

In her address, Shobha reiterated the need for citizens to take up responsibility for the betterment of the environment. She also expressed her concerns over the deteriorating quality of air in the city.

Dr P Shivaram, one of the Directors in the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (NIRDPR) said that human beings and their activities were responsible for rapid changes in the climate.

Neelam Janaiah, vice-chairman and managing director of the Telangana State Renewable Energy Development Corporation, said that the youth should shoulder the responsibility of planting trees. Mohammad Safiullah, Honorary Managing Trustee of the Deccan Heritage Trust and Ramesh Sakthivel of of NIRDPR expressed great concern over the degradation of the environment in the city and said that steps should be taken to pretect the environment.

M H Rao, Vice-chairman of Forum and Dr Rao V B J Chelikani, Treasurer of Forum expressed their aspirations for Hyderabad. Other important members of Forum, teachers and students from 20 schools across the city were also present on the occasion.