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Rock the talk
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Members of Society to Save Rocks trek together on `rock excursion' for the common interest
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WHAT WERE a group of 50 people, most meeting for the first time, doing together in Mahbubnagar on a clear Sunday morning? There were children, parents and grandparents and the one common interest they all shared were rocks. A mixed age group of rock lovers went on the annual `rock excursion' organised by the Society to Save Rocks.
Exploring the Gaddegudem Forest 23 km from Mehboobnagar revealed fascinating rock formations, the scenic Mancham Chervuand typical fauna and flora of the region. And there were rocks as far as the eye could see, some piled up, some balancing and other huge rubble stacks - a treat for any enthusiastic climber. Especially popular with the children were the interesting crevices and the little cave like shelters.
Seven-year-old Amit has been accompanying his mother on rock walks from the age of three. He was excited to explore the unknown and determined to make it to the top alone. Perhaps these trips have played a large part in Amit being fearless, confident and independent. He innocently clarifies, "I enjoy rock climbing and also the snacks at the end of each trip!"
S. Tej Kumar quietly pursued the trail in wrapped observation. He then disclosed that he is a retired professor of Entomology and had spotted around 20 different species of butterflies. "We are fortunate to have about 100 species of butterflies in Hyderabad alone, and one can often spot some uncommon ones in these rocky areas," says Kumar who is documenting the butterflies of Andhra Pradesh.
Society to Save Rocks is an environmental NGO working for this cause since 1992. They lobby with developers, Government and common citizens to preserve the magnificent rocky landscape of the Deccan. They are the recipients of the Heritage Award 2003 from the Indian National Trust, Certificate of Excellence from the Government of Andhra Pradesh and the National Tourism Award from the Government of India for the best NGO in the Sphere of Tourism. "When we safeguard the rocks and preserve the natural environment we contribute to the beauty of a place and that indirectly helps tourism. In Hyderabad ancient rock formations can be seen well within the city, unlike say Bangalore and Pune where one would have to drive to the outskirts to find large rocks. Why not protect these fascinating rocks for future generations," says Frauke Quader, Secretary of Society to Save Rocks.
Geologists believe that the rocks in the Deccan Plateau are among the worlds oldest rocks, estimated around 2500 million years old. Rocks contribute to the interesting landscapes and serve an important ecological function.
Unfortunately, with the boom in the construction business, most of them are threatened by quarrying. After relentless pleas from the Society, last month the Ranga Reddy district authorities said that there is finally a plan to prohibit quarrying in and around the city and earmarking Hayatnagar as a singled mining zone.
The Society to Save Rocks has over 200 members. They conduct monthly rock walks and keep a close tab on major rock areas.
They also promote the concept of using this natural rocky environment sensibly for cultural programmes and festivities. With `rock solid' commitment alone can we prevent these rocks that took 2.5 billion years to create, from being blasted into oblivion in two seconds! For information contact 23552923 or log on to www.hyderabadgreens.org.
PADMINI B. PATELL
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