Latest news with #KapraLakeRevivalGroup
Time of India
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Walk, watch, wonder: Cityfolk connect with nature, one step at a time
1 2 3 4 With city life growing busier by the day, Hyderabadis are finding respite in the quiet corners of nature. From lakeside birdwatching to biodiversity walks, weekend nature trails are steadily gaining traction across the city. Organised walks — drawing school children, tech professionals, retirees and families alike — offer more than just a leisurely outing. They are slowly becoming an essential escape that fosters environmental awareness, promotes wellbeing, and builds a renewed sense of community around Hyderabad's green lungs. A new rhythm to the weekend In recent months, more residents are choosing to spend their weekends outdoors, with several citizen-led and government-supported nature walks being scheduled across the city. While still niche, organisers note that the interest is growing — particularly among those looking for a mindful break from daily routines. 'Initially, we had about 15 to 20 participants. Now we often see up to 200 people joining us. It's heartening to witness this growing interest in exploring local ecosystems,' say Ajitha Maru and Mano Gyna Reddy, founders of the Kapra Lake Revival Group. ' A collective push for conservation Environmental awareness has become a key pillar of these walks. Participants often learn about conservation history, government efforts, and community-led campaigns working to preserve lakes and biodiversity hotspots. Sai Prakash, nature photographer and conservation advocate, shares: 'I've recorded more than 120 species at Kapra Lake alone. Earlier, turtles were being captured and sold illegally. These walks brought attention to the issue, and now these turtles are actively protected. ' Kobita Das, one of the founders of Nature Lovers of Hyderabad adds, 'Nature walks help people connect with the changing seasons and weather patterns. You begin to notice details — the way birds behave or a flower in bloom. Most importantly, they teach us to slow down and observe.' These nature walks aim to show people how places like Kapra Lake have changed over the years — from nearly 112 acres to less than 70 acres. It's about creating awareness and encouraging collective action like what can be done to preserve it – Ajitha Maru & Mano Gyna Reddy, founders of the Kapra Lake Revival Group More than a walk in the park These walks aren't just passive strolls — they offer participants an immersive learning experience. From spotting native birds to identifying local trees and insects, walkers gain insight into the urban ecosystem. 'The nature walk scene in Hyderabad has grown significantly,' notes Pradeep Kumar Chinnaboina, founder of Wild Telangana and VWOLFS Foundation. 'Take Ameenpur Lake, for instance — it's home to nearly 290 recorded bird species. During our walks, we introduce participants to both common and migratory birds, helping them observe and appreciate the rich biodiversity right in our backyard.' The trend is educational but also deeply personal for many. 'We're surrounded by so many birds in our daily lives, yet we rarely notice them. As someone who spends most of the day glued to my laptop, stepping into nature like this is a much-needed breath of fresh air,' says Deepak Acharya, a software engineer and regular walker. These sessions go beyond forests — we talk about bird counting, sapling plantations, and even simple habits like gardening that make naturea part of everyday life' – Sai Prakash, nature photographer and conservation advocate Community, connection, and calm In today's fast-paced world, finding moments of calm and genuine connection can be rare — but nature walks help fix that gap. 'There's been a growing interest since we began earlier this year, with families, students, and professionals joining to unwind on weekends,' says Suman Kalyanapu, Project Manager of Deccan Woods and Trails. 'Many corporate companies now organise nature-based team-building activities. It gives IT employees a chance to step away from screens, connect with nature, and engage in meaningful collaboration,' adds Sai. Benefits of walking in nature l Improves cardiovascular health l Reduces cortisol levels associated with stress l Reduced mental health issues l Improves quality of sleep l Improves attention span - According to a study by Harvard Medicine - Divya Shree
Hans India
30-04-2025
- General
- Hans India
Students, volunteers join hands for Kapra Lake cleanup
Hyderabad: To enhance the sustainability experience among students, Kapra Lake Revival Group (KLRG), a Secunderabad-based NGO, and several other activists, organised a mega lake cleanup drive on Tuesday. KLRG in collaboration with Bhavans Sri Ramakrishna Vidyalaya (BSRKV), Sainikpuri, hosted a full-day sustainability programme starting with a mega cleanup of the Kapra Lake. The event was part of the All India Bhavan's Meet. According to the members of KLRG, the day kicked off with a morning run to the lake, followed by discussions on lake conservation at the colourful Immersion Pond steps. A spirited clean-up drive saw more than 200 volunteers—including students, teachers, birders, and local eco-warrior and collected 205 kg of garbage from the lakeshore. 'Bringing communities to the lakeside shows how individual habits affect water bodies,' explained KLRG trustee and content creator Deepa Shailendra. She said, 'Using harsh chemicals in homes eventually contaminates our lakes and aquifers.' Manognya Reddy, a former Oracle employee, credited with implementing corporate-level processes in KLRG's work, stated, 'Kapra Lake is our neighbourhood water body. Having seen it full, the dream is to keep it alive.' As part of their educational tour, students also visited Rashtrapati Nilayam to explore heritage-based water conservation techniques, including traditional step wells and herbal gardens.
Hans India
26-04-2025
- General
- Hans India
Kapra Lake Revival Group to host sustainability prog soon
Hyderabad: To enhance sustainability experience among students, members of Kapra Lake Revival Group (KLRG) and Bhavan's Sri Ramakrishna Vidyalaya's (BSKRV) Sainikpuri campus will host a day-long immersive experience in sustainability on April 29. The annual All India Bhavan's Meet will be hosted by BSKRV, Secunderabad division between April 26 to 29 and around 400 students from across the country will be a part of the event. As part of the three-day congress, KLRG will be hosting a mega immersive sustainability experience for Bhavans' students on April 29. Explaining about the event, a member of Kapra Lake Revival Group said, 'The day will kick off with a morning lake cleanup—not just a symbolic gesture, but a hands-on environmental initiative aimed at fostering eco-conscious habits and nurturing young sustainability ambassadors. Each student will be equipped with a carefully curated zero-waste travel kit, including a stainless steel flask, cup, and plate, ensuring that even mealtimes reflect sustainable living, free of disposables. Real-time waste segregation will be practiced throughout the event, supported by Bintix, Hyderabad's leading waste aggregator, who will collect all segregated paper and plastic generated during the four-day camp.' The progamme will also include a trip to Rashtrapati Nilayam wherein the students will be shown the step well, a community reservoir for rainwater harvesting, herbal gardens and fruit orchards and the President's museum, connecting sustainability with heritage.
