Hyderabad commemorated World Rivers Day 2024 on 22nd September with a community-driven event aimed at raising awareness about water conservation. Organised by the Forum for a Better Hyderabad (FBH) in partnership with ‘World Rivers Day – Canada’ and local civil society groups, the highlight of the event was a symbolic walk along the southern bund of Shamirpet Lake in Medchal District. This annual observance, held globally on the fourth Sunday of September, serves as a platform to underscore the critical need for river and water body preservation.
Students from various educational institutions including Government City College, Deccan Heritage Academy, JBR Architecture College, St. Patrick’s High School, Oxford Grammar School, and Sri Sai Vidya Niketan participated enthusiastically in the walk. Their engagement highlights the growing role of the younger generation in environmental conservation. The event was led by prominent environmentalists and government officials, including a National Governing Council Member of INTACH, New Delhi, and a renowned historian and Director of the Telangana Tribal Museum. These dignitaries reiterated the importance of community involvement in the protection of rivers and lakes, pointing out that conservation efforts should not rely solely on the government but require active participation from civil society and youth.
A key highlight was the focus on Shamirpet Lake, a historically significant water body known for its scenic rock formations and the iconic sunset spot selected by the 6th Nizam, Mehboob Ali Pasha. The convenor of the Shamirpet Samrakshana Committee emphasised the lake’s ecological and cultural importance, stressing the urgent need for its conservation amidst growing urban pressures. To further highlight the lake’s beauty and environmental significance, a photo exhibition was arranged along the lake’s banks, showcasing its natural allure and biodiversity.
From a sustainability perspective, this event is a reminder of the critical link between urban expansion and the health of natural ecosystems. In rapidly growing cities like Hyderabad, protecting water bodies like Shamirpet Lake is essential not just for maintaining ecological balance but also for ensuring long-term urban sustainability. The walk serves as a call to action for sustainable water management, especially as rivers and lakes continue to face threats from encroachment, pollution, and climate change.