Clean Hyderabad: Students submit petitions with 60K signatures to GHMC Commissioner, Mayor's office

Hyderabad: “Recently, my daughter, Teerdha Vunnam, a 12th standard student of DPS School Hyderabad submitted petitions signed by nearly 60,000 people, including 14,000+ students from various schools, to the Commissioner GHMC and Mayor's office. These petitions, collected during the Ozone Run, request urgent action to improve the hygiene of Hyderabad's roads. Importantly, all participants are taxpayers, advocating for their right to clean and safe public spaces. October is the month of Gandhi Jayanti. Let’s remember the principles of cleanliness and service to society that Mahatma Gandhi stood for. We hope the authorities will honor the voices of the people and bring in systems to address these hygiene concerns for a better future," says Meghana Musunuri, Chairperson SWAN-Save Water and Nature.

Ozone Run 2024 was a collective effort for cleaner roads, organized by SWAN and Ozone Run Founders at Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad. The Ozone Run 2024, organized by the SWAN (Save Water and Nature) team and the Ozone Run Founders, witnessed the enthusiastic participation of over 1,000 families, all rallying for the cause of cleaner roads in Hyderabad. The event was held on September 15, 2024, as a vibrant demonstration of the community's commitment to improving road hygiene and promoting environmental sustainability. Led by SWAN Chairperson Meghana Musunuri, Secretary Sridhar Vunnam, and Founders Bilvoa Vunnam and Teerdha Vunnam, the event saw strong support from schools, sponsors, and local families, all united in the fight for better public hygiene standards. Special guests of honor included Jagadeeswar Goud, MLA Contestant from Serilingampally, and Gareth Wynn Owen, British Deputy High Commissioner, who expressed their commitment to supporting this vital cause. Their participation reinforced the significance of community-driven initiatives in achieving lasting, positive change. A range of prestigious schools participated in the event, including Fountainhead Global School, Sreenidhi International School, DPS Miyapur, DPS Hyderabad Branch, Oasis School, Narayana Group of Schools, Jain Group of Schools, Chirec School, Abhaya School, Sentia Global School, Strokes The Swim School. Students, parents, and educators from these institutions came together to show their dedication to a cleaner Hyderabad.

In addition to the 10K run, where the winners were honored with prizes, 2K and 5K runs were also organized to encourage broader participation. Climate Action Awards were presented to individuals and schools that have demonstrated leadership in promoting environmental initiatives.

Meghna says, “We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors Am Green - Greenko group, Oasis School, 7 Seas Entertainment, Dhanu Construction, and Sumo Biscuits, and all our supporters, for making this event possible. Their generous backing was the key to the success of the Ozone Run. The day culminated in the presentation of a petition to public representatives, advocating for immediate action on improving road hygiene across Hyderabad. This petition represents a collective voice, calling for sustainable change in the city.”

The Ozone Run 2024 was a resounding success, showcasing how communities, schools, and leaders can come together to make a tangible impact on environmental health and cleanliness.

Meghna says, “This is the third year that events were organized to improve the environment First year we worked on increasing the green cover of Hyderabad. Second year we promoted organic festivals and gave away seed Ganeshas. This year we did many Neighborhood cleanup drives and Nukkad on hygiene of Hyderabad roads and collected these petitions.”