Make Hyderabad livable, citizens urged

Prominent NGOs, social activists and experts in the field of environment, civic and human rights discuss slum development, environment, education and public health situation of the city

Set with the agenda of “Hyderabad: a livable city for all”, a round table conference, jointly organised by Montfort Social Institute and Hum Hyderabad, discussed existing problems on ‘livable conditions of city’ and ideated solutions for the same, recently.

Discussions were held about slum development, two bedroom housing units, air pollution, public health system in government hospitals, safety for women and girl child protection, town planning, street vendors, shelter for homeless, parks and playground for children, political electoral reforms and responsibilities of public representatives.

Dr Lubna Sarwath, activist of Save Our Urban Lakes (SOUL) said, “It is the citizens who are responsible for bringing a sea of change in the government. We should be honest to ourselves in adapting to Constitution. Education must be given top priority. In many government schools there are no toilets or drinking water facility. The status of education in government schools of Telangana is abysmal.”

Eminent environmentalist Purushottam Reddy said, “The quality of life related to air, water, environment and cleanliness is a subject which should not be confined to drawing rooms but has to be explored and reached out to people. The Climate Change COP 21 in Paris agreement has to benefit society at large. Quality of life has to be enhanced as per the provisions of the article 21 of Indian Constitution.”

He also spoke at length about the affects of polluted gases emitting from pharma industries in Patancheru and Jeedimetla that have no proper affluent plants. “The Mucherla pharma city plant will contaminate more than 15 water bodies in its surroundings if care is not taken and proper solid waste management is not implemented,” he said.

Bro. Varghese Theckanath, director of Montfort Social Institute said, “There should be more focus on drinking water and food availability for all. The Government should appoint someone to look after women’s health. The weakest link in our country is the poor man.

In Hyderabad, poor sections’ needs must be fulfilled. Garbage is another major problem and cause of concern at present. Stringent punishment should be taken on open defecation and more rest rooms for public should be constructed. Novel ways of dumping waste have to be implemented. Domestic workers wages are to be increased. Communal Harmony needs to be maintained for all round growth and development.”

The issues were documented and placed before the prospective corporators and ward members, who promised to address the same in the ensuing GHMC elections that will be held in January 2016. Later, two books were released on domestic workers’ woes and their rights.

The conference was attended by prominent NGOs, social activists and experts in the field of environment, civic and human rights including people who work on issues concerning slum dwellers and basthis.