Hyderabad (Telangana) [India] September 24: In a compelling show of civic responsibility, the students of Fountainhead Global School (FHGS) took a bold step towards addressing the city’s sanitation issues by signing and submitting a petition for improved road hygiene and cleanliness at the Ozone Run 2024 event. The petition, backed by over 350 students and their families, was officially presented to local authorities, highlighting the urgent need for better waste management and public health measures in the Hyderabad area.
The students, alongside their teachers, meticulously documented the growing concerns regarding road and footpath cleanliness in their neighborhood of Hydernagar, Miyapur. As active participants in the Ozone Run’s environmental campaign, they contributed not only their voices but also actionable solutions to the pressing problem of deteriorating road hygiene in Hyderabad.
The success of Ozone Run 2024 is driven by its passionate founders. Ms.Bilvoa Vunnam, co-founder, champions community engagement in environmental initiatives and is dedicated to educating youth about sustainability and conservation. Ms.Teerdha Vunnam, another co-founder, focuses on promoting eco-friendly lifestyles and encouraging active citizen participation in environmental efforts. Mrs.Meghana Musunuri, Chairperson of SWAN (Save Water and Nature), has been instrumental in organizing the event, combining fitness with a strong message of environmental responsibility. Finally, Mr.Sridhar Vunnam, Secretary of SWAN, plays a crucial role in coordinating logistics, uniting sponsors, schools, and community leaders to ensure a seamless experience for all participants.
The Petition: Key Issues Raised by FHGS Students
The petition submitted by the students of Fountainhead Global School calls for immediate action on four critical sanitation issues identified within their locality:
1. Uncontrolled dumping on roads and footpaths, leading to foul smells and unsightly waste.
2. Inconsistent Cleaning of streets and improper trash clearance, allowing debris to accumulate unchecked.
3. Stray Dog Menace near the garbage dumps, posing safety risks to both students and residents.
4. Mosquito and fly infestation, driven by waste buildup, raising concerns about disease outbreaks.
These concerns reflect the daily realities faced by local students and residents, who experience the negative effects of improper waste management firsthand. The petition serves as a call to action for the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to implement more effective and regular sanitation efforts in the area.
Fountainhead Global School’s Commitment to Change
At the helm of this student-driven initiative is Ms.Koyya Sudha Rani, Head of the Institution at Fountainhead Global School. In a formal letter addressed to the GHMC, she expressed the school’s appreciation for ongoing municipal efforts while drawing attention to the critical gaps that still exist in road cleanliness and hygiene management.
“As educators, we believe in fostering a sense of responsibility and active citizenship among our students. Through this petition, we are not only raising awareness but also engaging with the authorities to drive real change for a healthier environment.” – Ms. Koyya Sudha Rani, Head of the Institution, Fountainhead Global School.
Ozone Run 2024: A Platform for Advocacy
The students’ petition was a prominent feature of the Ozone Run 2024 event, which has become a key platform for environmental advocacy in Hyderabad. Over 1,000 participants came together at the Gachibowli Stadium for the annual event, which promotes environmental awareness alongside fitness. This year’s event saw an added focus on community-driven petitions aimed at improving urban sanitation and sustainable living.
The collaboration between FHGS students and the Ozone Run organizers further emphasized the event’s mission of empowering citizens, especially youth, to take proactive steps toward creating a greener, cleaner Hyderabad. FHGS has committed to working closely with the GHMC in ensuring that these pressing issues are addressed.
Looking Ahead: Collaborative Solutions for a Cleaner City
The students of Fountainhead Global School are not stopping at simply identifying problems. They have also enclosed a presentation outlining specific, feasible solutions to improve road hygiene in their area. These include increased frequency of street cleaning, designated waste disposal areas, and stronger enforcement of public health regulations to deter littering and illegal dumping.
The students also expressed a keen interest in actively participating in GHMC’s initiatives, offering their time and effort in community clean-up drives and awareness programs. The petition calls for a collaboration between the school and local authorities to ensure that meaningful, sustainable changes are implemented.
The submission of this petition by the students of Fountainhead Global School stands as a testament to the power of youth-driven action in solving real-world problems. Their proactive stance has not only brought attention to the critical sanitation issues affecting their community but has also set the stage for constructive dialogue and action.
With the support of their school and the wider community, these students have shown that the future of Hyderabad lies in the hands of responsible and engaged citizens. Ozone Run 2024 has proven to be more than just a fitness event—it is a catalyst for environmental change, driven by the commitment of Hyderabad’s next generation of leaders.