Climate change made us join cause: Protesters

HYDERABAD: Several people who participated in Friday’s shoe strike spoke of their experiences with climate change and environmental degradation that motivated them to join the battle for climate justice.
Karhtik Reddy, a resident of Gandipet, said, “Hyderabad is known as the city of lakes. But everywhere you see these lakes are being encroached and filled up in the name of development, even in our backyard.The natural forest in the area has seen a huge reduction in tree cover at the hands of private players. This is a loss for each one of us and I am here in protest.”
Venkat Naresh, a bird watcher, says he has seen a dramatic decline in migratory birds at the Osmansagar over the years, which was the reason he joined Friday’s strike. “Owing to the reduction in water at the reservoir and rise in ambient air pollution, the number of birds here have reduced. In 2013-2014, I photographed about 500 to 700 flamingos in this season, now there are not even 50. Similarly, with pelicans, I would easily sight 200, now there are about five to 10.”
A resident of Banjara Hills, Sriparna Dash, said she moved to the city in 2003 and has since seen a massive change in its landscape. “Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills were full of green stretches, but then the construction boom took hold. While we understand that development is necessary, this can be sustainable. Building and trees are equally important. We are at a point where we can make a difference, so I wanted to speak up for our kids’ future.”