Switch to Renewable Energy Resources

Environment conservation should become mantra of every citizen

When the builders here copy the western model of buildings with huge tinted glasses for the exteriors of the buildings, why not eco-friendly policies of the west? The whole world now talks about renewable energy resources which are cheaper.

Bangalore consumes 40 percent of the total electricity produced in Karnataka.  If Bangaloreans switch to renewable energy resources, they can bring more cheers to rural dwellers who hardly see their lights and fans on.

“We are following western style without applying our minds.  In the West, buildings use glass to create a greenhouse effect indoors with the temperature below zero most of the year.  With temperatures high in India, we don’t need heat inside our buildings.  Here, the glass used for aesthetics allows the sunlight to come in and traps the heat”, says Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited, Former MD, Dr. B.Shivalingaiah.

Apart from generating heat, the smooth surface of the buildings also doesn’t absorb street noise, adding to noise pollution.

Experts say, there are several renewable energy alternatives available.  A reduction in the use of power in the mornings will contribute in bringing down pollution in Bangalore.

“Solid waste generated in the city can be used to produce electricity using methane from it.  Other solid wastes which are not decomposable can be converted into solid pellets and can be used as bio-fuel,” Dr. Shivalingaiah suggests.

Street lights, advertisement hoardings, traffic signals are also major electricity consumers.  LED (Light emitting diodes) lamps can be used in illuminating hoardings.  All traffic signals in the city could be run on solar energy.  Street lights could be dimmed supplying lesser voltage after midnight and use of sodium vapor lights should be encouraged.

The new innovations like solar-run bicycles and battery mopeds make only news.  The need is, these vehicles should replace the fuel burning vehicles.  The administration should provide bicycle tracks connecting major roads.

“There has been a lot of heat generation in the centre of the city as it holds most of the transportation and vehicle congestion.  All the BMTC busses start from Majestic.  They should instead be provided specific pick up points all over the city so as to reduce pollution levels,” says an expert.

Type of forestry that city boasts is of no use.  Plants that absorb more pollution need to be grown.  Our ancestors made ‘Ashwath Kattes’ since the tree emits more oxygen.

The Forest Department should identify the special species which suit the environment of a growing city and also enhance the beauty of the city, he adds.

Due to increasing development activity in the city, sewage pipes are often getting blocked leaving no space for the water to flow.  The sewage pipes flow to the full capacity only during mornings and evenings.  Large buildings should hold back the sewage water and release it after the peak hours.

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