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There is a lot of talk about modernizing Mysore. The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) for the upliftment of the city will be given a new life by forming a Development Authority for hastening the successful completion of the scheme.
Mysore is a heritage city and one should hope that every attempt would be made to protect its heritage. The Central Government has announced that Mysore and Hubli in the State are selected for the formation of solar cities. It is proposed to tap solar energy for being used to provide us heat and light. Let us hope that all this would translate into action in the foreseeable future. Our politicians are good orators. There is a lot of hubbubs about the airport's naming ceremony, even before the child (Airport) is born! The Railway - track doubling between Mysore and Bangalore and gauge conversion beyond Nanjangud are being delayed. Rabble-rousers have become the worst enemies of our development process. But this is Democracy of the Indian brand.
Protecting environment:
Another important issue, which should command our attention, is environment. We have to protect it at all costs, because our survival depends on it. Everyone would agree that we should convert Mysore into a green city, by raising trees and providing ample lung space. It is all good. But what about the buildings — domestic as well as public? In recent years, a large number of multi-storeyed huge apartments are rising. Some of the modern buildings are no doubt architectural and technological wonders. But the question is are they green? What is their impact on our environment? They may be said to be green in the sense that they cause green - house effect, harming our ecology! Not many people have thought about its danger.
The so - called new - age buildings are said to need 12 per cent of the water being used. They emit 30 per cent of green - house gas, produce 65 per cent of waste output and consume 70 per cent of electricity! The green - house effect is the greatest danger posed by the modern buildings and dwellings. The answer to this menace is, “Green buildings”. It does not mean covering buildings with green foliage. Green buildings are eco - friendly. They contribute towards a cleaner environment by reducing the amount of energy used for light, heat, cool and operation, and thus reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Thus they go a long way in securing a cleaner environment.
A widespread campaign is needed to create the necessary awareness among the builders of both multi-storeyed buildings and even smaller dwellings.
Green buildings:
Green buildings are ecologically sustainable developments. They cause the least damage to the environment, both during and after construction. An organisation called the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) educates developers in the recycling of air and water and use of energy - efficient materials and technology to reduce wastage. A small island - nation like Singapore has set an example to us, in the matter of conserving resources and recycling used water.
Eco - friendly technologies are available in India. But the market is not being tapped properly. Efforts should be made to utilize solar energy to the maximum extent by developing cheap and reliable technology to make it viable and within the reach of building developers. India's location is a great advantage, being situated in the sunny region of the world. It is estimated that India can enjoy the benefit of not less than 320 days of sunlight in a year. It is a very precious gift of nature to India. We can be assured of at least 300 clear sunny days out of 365 days of the year.
It is estimated that our country receives about 4/7 kwh / sq. m of sunlight in a day. This is said to be equal to more than 5,000 million kw / year. You will be surprised to know that this is much more than the total consumption of energy by the country in a year! Sun is much more reliable than other forces of nature. The energy received from the sun is a thousand times higher than our predicted energy demand by the year 2015. It is a pity that we have not yet realised that solar energy is the most precious and is within our reach, if only we can make it cost-effective. It is being used only to the extent of about 0.5 per cent of our total energy consumption. The chief reason for the under utilization of solar energy is the exorbitant cost of deployment. The cost of production is as high as Rs. 15-30 per unit. Conventional thermal energy costs Rs. 2 - 6 per unit.
Perhaps Mysore city will be, like other cities, using it for heating and lighting purposes in the present context. This cheap, clean, reliable and abundant energy may be made to be available at reasonable cost for wide use in course of time, such that it suits the local climate. Another plus point is that is a renewable resource. A strong leadership with clear vision, the right mix of policies and practices can make it more popular. In the meanwhile, our urgent attention should be devoted to the green buildings. This will be a right beginning for extending the use of solar energy to other spheres of activity.
Automated system:
Automated system will help reduce energy bills. Automation of mechanical, electrical and security systems in large complexes will go a long way in eco - friendly property - management. Complete control of all lighting, air - conditioning and other systems from a single room is possible. Though the initial cost may be high, proper planning is helpful. It is said that there are about 110 million sq. ft. of green real estate today. Much more can be achieved in the area of eco - friendly green buildings.
HSK
Courtesy: Star of Mysore
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