On this Earth Day, we bring you the story of Frauke Quader, a woman who looked at the ancient landscape of Hyderabad and saw more than just stones—she saw a heritage worth fighting for.
“I grew up in a house deep in the woods near Wuppertal, Germany. Nature was part of my everyday life. The trees, birds, and changing seasons were always around me. That early connection to the natural world has stayed with me ever since, and it led me on an unexpected journey.
I moved to Hyderabad in 1975 after marrying someone from here. At first, I was just adjusting to the city, but soon I noticed something truly special—the rock formations scattered across the landscape. These ancient granite boulders looked like natural sculptures, full of history and beauty. I was fascinated.
In 1996, a group of artists, photographers, and nature lovers formed the Society to Save Rocks. I joined right away. Our aim was to protect Hyderabad’s unique rockscapes from disappearing under rapid urban development. Many people admired the rocks but didn’t realize they needed protection. So, we began organizing walks, exhibitions, and awareness campaigns to help people see them as a natural heritage worth saving.
In 1997, HUDA included rock formations in their Heritage Regulations and invited our input. That was a major milestone. We also faced setbacks, like in 2015 when those regulations were removed. Still, we had proud moments, such as when HUDA listed Rock Heritage Precincts in 1998 and 2009 based on our suggestions.
Funding has always been difficult. The Tourism Department supported a few events, but most sponsors weren’t willing to fund ongoing work. Despite that, we continued. This work has always been about community. Artists, photographers, and nature lovers play a big role in keeping the momentum alive.
Environmental protection isn’t only for experts. Simple actions like saving water, reducing waste, or refusing plastic matter. #EarthDay reminds us that everyone has a part to play.
We believe early awareness can create a lifelong love for nature. More programs are coming up, and you can follow updates at www.saverocks.org.”
— Frauke Quader, Environmentalist