Saving our rocks

Our city is built on a rocky foundation. For millions of years, predating the dinosaurs by a long margin, this was the literal truth in the region. But the rocks have taken on a new role and they have their needs, thanks to widespread urbanisation and construction.

Coming to their rescue is the Society to Save Rocks, a unique body of people striving towards protecting these rocks.

Treasurer of the Society, Sangeeta Varma says, "Hyderabad was once home to some of the most unique rock formations. Their shapes, sizes, tilt, positioning and colour were beautiful. Carbon dating has shown them to be 2500 million years old. Unfortunately with growing population and spread of the city limits, these lovely formations have been the target of reckless damage. This destruction has moved some likeminded people to start the Society to Save Rocks." "It is the only environmentbased society working towards protecting rocks in the whole of India. These rocks are heritage of the state and hence the need to protect them," she adds.

As part of its regular activities, the society conducts events where participants are taken for walks on these rocky surfaces and experts on the subject talk about them.

Sangeeta adds, "The society conducts rock walks, lectures and presentations in schools etc. On a regular basis to educate people on the uniqueness and geological importance of rocks." As a part of its annual event, the Society conducts Rockathon, where participants take part in various events related to rocks.

This year the Rockathon will be held on December 1 at Hyderabad Central University.

Some of the activities will be: rock walk, trail run, rock photography contest, rock quiz, rock balancing, rock installation, Rock Shot Put etc.

Talking about Rockathon, Sangeeta says, "The Hyderabad Rockathon is being organised in association with the Great Hyderabad Adventure Club (GHAC). Society to Save Rocks will be doing the comparatively ‘soft’ skills activities like rock walk, quiz, rock photography, rock piling, rock installation etc.  GHAC, which has a team of personnel trained in climbing and rappelling, would be moderating the other activities. Because we need more people to speak about rocks and spread awareness." "The University of Hyderabad has many rocky-scapes and the lung space ideal for Rockathon. The beautiful ‘mushroom’ rock is on the campus."

Talking about the society’s ongoing work to save the rocks that are being cut down and destroyed due to rampant construction, Sangeeta says, "The Society to Save Rocks has been making representations to various architect associations to encourage them to design buildings in and around rocks. There are some architects/firms of architects who are environment sensitive. A classic example is the building of LaCoNes. Some houses in areas like Jubilee Hills have artistically used rocks as walls in their drawing rooms, staircases etc."

“We need corporates, the media and the government to be more pro-active in supporting this cause," Sangeeta adds. The registration to partipate will begin at 7 am and the event will continue upto 4:30 pm.

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