Hyderabad, February 17: Planet 3 Protection Alliance, an NGO, in association with Andhra Pradesh State Pollution Control Board, Andhra Pradesh Tourism, Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) and The New Indian Express, announced the launch of HarithOn, Hyderabad’s first eco-run at FAPCCI premises on Wednesday.
“The run to be held on February 20 will start from People’s Plaza at 7 am and end at Sanjeevaiah Park. It is a 5-km run. We are expecting 3000 to 5000 participants,” said R Kantha Rao, secretary, Planet 3 Protection Alliance.
“The eco-run aims to make every citizen responsible for their own premises,” said Rao.
Schools, colleges, multinationals, NGOs and government organisations are expected to participate.
“Our environment is going through major changes. There is a view that Maldives would be submerged if global warming is not contained,” said Shekhar Agarwal, president, FAPCCI. “We have to hand over a safe plant to the posterity,” added Agarwal.
“There has to be a harmonious balance between development and environment protection,” said Mohan Chandra Pargaien, special secretary, Andhra Pradesh Pollution Board, commending volunteers of Planet 3 Protection Alliance.
“These youngsters have lots of energy and zeal,” said Pargaien.
“About 70 per cent of pollution in the city is caused by vehicles. In a study done in New Delhi, results showed that vehicles there do not travel more than two km per day. It shows how we can avoid using vehicles and walk whenever possible,” said Pargaien. “People have to do their own bit,” he added.
“I think this whole concept is wonderful. There is a lot of positive energy in the whole initiative. All of us should think about mother Earth. Some time ago, I came across a foreign lady in India who never wore slippers because she considered Earth to be her mother. It is a very inspiring story,” said Pullela Gopichand at the launch.
Several dignitaries including chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy, governor ESL Narasimhan, Shatrucharla Vijaya Rama Raju, minister of forests, Danam Nagender, minister of labour, Amala, animal rights activist and Jayaprakash Narayan, president, Loksatta Party are expected to participate.
“We are putting up several exhibition stalls. We are promoting bicycles as well. Every single item that we are using in the event are 100 percent eco-friendly. Both online and spot registrations are available,” said Bhushan, a volunteer.
For details contact: 9985353302 (Krishna Chaitanya), 8801424070 (Bhushan)
–Agencies