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"Save our beautiful rocks, they can never grow
back"
The rocks of Hyderabad are an exquisite artistic expression
of Mother Nature. Unfortunately, urbanisation and the
consequent expansion of the city, has eroded these rocks.
In such a scenario, the efforts of the Society to Save
Rocks is most welcome.
 The
Society was set up in 1996, by a group of artists,
photographers and environmentalists, who have been
involved in the task of protecting the rocky landscapes
since 1992. Over the last four years, the Society has
grown to include a host of concerned citizens from students
to bureaucrats. According to the Society, excessive
quarrying and house construction has led to the destruction
of the rocks. As part of their efforts to protect them,
the Society conducted a scientific survey of all rocks
in Andhra Pradesh. The purpose was to help the Government
develop a suitable proposal for developing these natural
wonders into rock parks or nature parks for recreation.
 Besides,
the Society organises various awareness programmes by
hosting various art shows, workshops, plays and school-level
competitions. Every month, they organise rock walks
and climbs inviting a team of rock enthusiasts as well
as slum children. A documentary on the rocks co- produced
by the Society's President, Narethra Luther was
featured on AIR as well as on television. The
Society regularly networks with the print media to spread
their word. They also sell T-shirts, caps and greeting
cards, the proceeds of which are used to save the rocks.
Their task is Herculean, but it has come a long way
in creating awareness both among the citizens as well
as the government.
Membership Fees
Active Members: Admission Rs. 100/-, Annual Subscription:
Rs.100/-
Student Members: Admission Rs 50/-, Annual Subscription
Rs 50/-
Life Members: Admission for life Rs. 1000/-
Address: 1236, Road No 60, Jubilee Hills,
Hyderabad-500 033,
Phone: 2355 2923, E mail: frauke@saverocks.org
Web: www.saverocks.org
Nature's own Art
Right here in Hyderabad, is a rare form of art, one
that surpasses the legendary works of Michaelangelo
et al - in style, in form and in substance.
On the canvas of Hyderabad, nature practices her art
creating a landscape that is smattered with stony ridges.
Huge boulders lay precariously balanced on tiny rocks.
In other places Mother Nature rises like a pyramid,
reaching out to the sky in stony splendour. 
These exquisite granite rock formations are found throughout
the Deccan region. With interesting names such as mushroom
rock, tortoise rock, bear's nose, monster's rock, they
are found in Jubilee Hills, Banjara Hills, near
the Shilparamam, Gacchibowli. Geologists date
these rocks to as far back as 2,500 million years ago.
A gift from nature, but one that is taken for granted.
Urbanisation and the massive construction spree of a
new hi-tech city are threatening their existence. So
much so that the government has put some of these formations
under protection. Various organisations including the
Society to Save Rocks have emerged to help conserve
these rare formations. Hopefully their efforts and a
growing environmental awareness will save these rocks
from extinction.
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