Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], September 25: In a compelling demonstration of civic engagement and environmental stewardship, Delhi Public School (DPS) Secunderabad took an active role in the Ozone Run 2024. Students and faculty united to sign a petition advocating for urgent improvements in road hygiene and cleanliness across Hyderabad. This initiative not only underscores the school’s commitment to sustainability but also empowers students to become proactive advocates for their community.
The Ozone Run, which took place at Gachibowli Stadium, attracted over 1,000 participants, including families, educators, and local leaders, all rallying for a healthier environment. Representing the voices of 2,439 students, DPS Secunderabad collaborated with other schools to highlight pressing sanitation issues affecting their neighborhoods. The petition details critical concerns such as rampant waste dumping, irregular trash collection, and the dangers posed by stray dogs near waste sites—issues that directly impact the health and safety of local residents. Principal Shailaja Gopinath stated, “Our students are determined to contribute to a cleaner Hyderabad. Addressing these hygiene issues is essential not only for our community’s health but also for the well-being of future generations.”
The Ozone Run 2024 was more than a mere athletic event; it was a vibrant celebration of community spirit, collective responsibility, and proactive action. Notable guests, including Shri Jagadeeswar Goud, MLA Contestant from Serilingampally, and Mr.Gareth Wynn Owen, British Deputy High Commissioner, attended the event, offering their support and highlighting the importance of community engagement in environmental efforts. The founders of the Ozone Run, Ms.Bilvoa Vunnam and Ms.Teerdha Vunnam, were instrumental in organizing the event, emphasizing how collaborative efforts can create significant and lasting change.
The success of the Ozone Run was further bolstered by the generous support of local businesses and organizations, including Am Green – Greenko Group, Oasis School, and Dhanu Construction. Their contributions ensured that participants received high-quality event t-shirts, finishers’ medals, and hydration stations, enhancing the experience for everyone involved. Interactive booths and educational sessions throughout the day provided attendees with valuable insights into sustainable practices and the importance of environmental stewardship.
The petition submitted by DPS Secunderabad highlights the urgent need for continued collaboration with the GHMC to address the critical sanitation issues outlined by the students. Accompanying the petition is a comprehensive presentation detailing specific concerns and potential solutions. Principal Gopinath expressed her hope for constructive dialogue with local authorities, asserting, “We are committed to partnering with the GHMC to create a cleaner, more hygienic Hyderabad. Together, we can implement solutions that not only address immediate concerns but also foster a culture of environmental responsibility among our students and the broader community.”
As the Ozone Run 2024 concludes, it serves as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility we all share in safeguarding our environment. This initiative has ignited a renewed sense of awareness and action among students and community members alike, demonstrating that meaningful change is not just a possibility—it is already in motion.
