Y.S. RANA , CHANDIGARH—OCT 4—Cloud of power shortage is looming large over the Chandigarh and there is a reason for the Chandigarh Administration to panic. The Administration has taken some long term steps to meet the challenge in the days to come. The gap between demand and supply of power has, of late, widened due the ever increased consumption of power.
While Chandigarh has no source of generation of its own and by 2018 the city needs another 1,000 mw power. “At present, Chandigarh is getting 280 mw power from 24 power generating stations. But the demand has doubled as compared to five years. Per capita power consumption has risen to 1,500 units which is almost hundred per cent more than the neighbouring states,” said the official.
The Administration is adopting two-pronged strategy to meet the challenge. On one hand, Administration is negotiating with as many as 15 power projects on the other finding new technics and methods to encourage energy-efficient buildings. As a first step to save power, the Administration has constructed ‘Paryavaran Bhavan’ an eco-friendly building first of its kind in this region. The building could be architect, designer or builder enthusiast’s delight and will encourage gaining momentum fast of such buildings in the city.
The building is designed to be self-sufficient and independent of any external power supply. The building harnesses both traditional and modern means of tapping renewable source of energy to offer modern amenities such as lighting, air conditioning on substantial reduced cost.
A representative of the company said that it would save 40 to 50 per cent of energy costs over conventionally designed building. Specially designed light system would reduce the power consumption more than 50 per cent. “Cost of such building is equal or even cheaper than a traditional one but savings afterwards are more,” said he.
He further stated that effective insulation and a network of underground earth air tunnels circulating cool subterranean air inside the building and ensured that temperature in the building remained more or less through out the year around 20 degree C in winter; 28 degree C in summer and 30 degree C in monsoon.
“The concept is based on the observation that underground cellars are usually cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Temperature at the depth of 15 feet remains stable,” said Mr Santosh Kumar, Director (Environment) and Conservator of Forests and Wildlife, Chandigarh.
Earth air tunnel forces ventilation system for the lower two floors and evaporates cooling for the top three floors. Cooler air needs to be circulated. Warm air rises and escapes through the chimney creating an air current and blowers force the cooler air from underground tunnels to replace the warm air. Same mechanism supplies warm air through tunnel during winter.
The 4-storey building having a plinth area of 87,674 square feet cost the Administration around Rs 12 crore. The Administration has also incorporate green building standards like water harvesting system integrated with the building design; reflective white tiles on the terrace to reflect back the heat and naturally lit and ventilated rooms for comfortable ambience.