Clarion call for declaration of Climate Emergency

Khairatabad: Hundreds of students from several schools in twin cities gathered to express their concern as well as outrage over rapid deterioration of global climate and adverse effects of climate change, which are looming large on the globe. They assembled at Love Hyderabad installation near People's Plaza as part of 'Second Global Climate Strike.'

• Shouts of 'no more coal, no more oil, keep your carbon in the soil' rent air

• Hundreds of youth say 'Hyderabad meri jaan hai paryavaran iska shan hai'

Hundreds of thousands of students around the world took part in a global event on Friday to draw attention to the fight against climate change. The second "Global Climate Strike" is inspired by Greta Thunberg, a Swedish student in Stockholm who sparked the first protest event in March that included about 1.4 million students. Organisers hope Friday's turnout will be even greater.

Demonstrations were set on Friday in more than 2,000 cities in 125 countries. The strikers around the world are requesting their governments to declare a "Climate Emergency" in their respective countries. This would mean that all new policies, new companies, infrastructural projects and developmental activities will necessarily have to be ecology-friendly and have negligible or almost zero green gas emissions.

While many protesters protested by traditional means, with placards and banners in the streets, others picked up shovels and rubbish, attractive role play and melodious songs sung by the students to promote the emergency of climate change.

The crowds shouted: "No more coal, no more oil, keep your carbon in the soil," "Hyderabad meri jaan hai paryavaran iska shan hai" and many more slogans touched the sky calling for "climate justice" and drastic action by political leaders to enforce change. Adults shouted support to protesters as they bee-lined toward the Beehive.

"Hyderabad Youth demand to have an Open House discussion with KTR and his Urban Planning team to discuss on climate and are demanding that the climate and ecological crisis are taught as part of the wider curriculum. We have very less time to react on the major issue, let's react now and be a change for the better climate and pollution less future," said Kaajal Maheshwari, the organiser and Representing Volunteer For Fridays For Future (FFF) India.

"Climate inaction has been very depressing. In spite of being the biggest crisis threatening Human extinction, political will continues to favor growth that is encouraging the fossil fuel industry to make huge profits. Since the youth who are most affected cannot vote yet, this is the only way to make ourselves heard and try to save our future on Mother Earth." says Himani Sood, youth representative and faculty at Aga Khan Institute.

Agra, a student at strike said: "This is amazing, the turnout today is great and it proves the youth is rising and things are about to change." Mia, from AV school was one of four youngsters holding a huge banner reading "Solution for climate change is stopping pollution", and she urged citizens not to pollute but to prevent the climate.

Hyderabad Youth major demands on the global strike movement which co-ordinated by #FridaysForFuture stands as follows:

1. To have an Open House discussion with KTR and his Urban Planning team to discuss specific issues stated below:
2. SRDP (Strategic road development plan) to be put on hold till the EIA (Environmental Impact assessment) report has been done for this
3. Focus on Improving Mass transit systems like public transport and better pedestrian walkways rather than encouraging Private vehicles by building of Flyovers. Make roads friendly to biking, cycling and walking over long connected distances not just short namesake tracks.
4. No flyovers on the Eco-sensitive Zone of KBR Park
5. Stop the axing of 1000 plus fully grown Banyan Trees on Chevella Highway
6. Save the rocks of Khajaguda from encroachment and destruction of the builder lobby.
7. Preserve Bison polo grounds; Drop the plan to construct new Secretariat.