CHAPTER 4

ECO-FRIENDLY PARAMETERS

FOR URBAN AREAS

Having discussed the profile of Gulbarga city in some detail, the discussion
is now regarding the eco-friendly parameters of urban areas. The parameters are
natural, social, economic and cultural as all of them impinge on the nature and
magnitude of eco-friendliness of an urban place. Hence, a few of them are discussed
in the context of Gulbarga city, as it is the main concern of the study. The purpose of
this chapter is primarily to show how the eco-friendly parameters influence the eco-
friendliness of the city of our concern, which is Gulbarga. The discussion in this
chapter relates to the topographical, climatic, land, air and water quality, green
infrastructures, land uses and utilization, traffic and other cultural indicators of eco-
friendliness, and in all of it, the analysis is quantitative and interpretative. All of those
help us arrive at a conclusion as to whether Gulbarga city is eco-friendly or otherwise.
4.1 Topography
The study of the toposheet of Gulbarga city reveals that the terrain of
Gulbarga has undulating topography. There is a gentle slope from North to South and
from East to West, (toposheet of Gulbarga city is in Appendix 4.1). The slope alters
the sunlight and wind direction with slope towards South and West, the plots or area
on southern and western side gets more sunlight and afternoon winds. There is an
undulating topography with no proper surface drainage although water logging is
common during the rainy season. To avoid this, there is need to adopt proper
rainwater harvesting measures by constructing rainwater-harvesting ponds which
helps in reducing air temperatures as well as the water demand to a certain extent.
The topography of the city (Plate 4.1) contributes a lot towards achieving
sustainability through rainwater harvesting and maximizing the use of the sun and the
wind energy for building Gulbarga as an eco-friendly city.
4.2 Soils of Gulbarga City
Although the cities developed where the fertile soil and water were available
in abundant. However, cities may be made more eco-friendly despite adverse soil
conditions with proper measures. The chemical weathering of rocks and minerals
takes place under extremely low rainfall. The minerals influence the soil properties.

67
 Fig. 4.1: Topography and wind direction

The predominating minerals of this region are limestone, gypsum, quartz, and
sandstone. The soil formed with such minerals has higher concentration of calcium,
magnesium and sodium, therefore alkaline in reaction. Map 3.2 in Chapter 3
illustrates the spatial distribution of minerals of Gulbarga district.
Three types of soils found in the Gulbarga region. Soil map in Chapter III,
Map 3.1, shows the distribution of different types of soils in Gulbarga district.
Medium Black Soil is moderately deep (23-90 cm). This type of soil is dark to very
dark grayish brown, dark reddish brown in colour. The texture of the soil on the
surface is usually clay; it contains high percent of clay. Deep black soil is the result
of the decomposition of gneisses and sedimentary rocks of mixed origin. It is deep in
thickness, about 90 cm; and the colour varies from dark brown to dark grayish brown.
The texture of soil is usually clayey throughout the profile. The soil retains runoff
water from the surface and is in a better position to support the plant growth under
rain fed conditions. Mixed Red Black Soil is comparatively coarser in texture and has
better drainage whereas the black soils are heavy in texture and slow permeability.
Table 4.1 (Refer Appendix 4.1) shows the chemical content of the soil like
potassium, lime, soluble salts and pH which are up to the standard. Copper, zinc,
ferrous, and nitrogen content are slightly lesser than the standards. The black soil
contains high percentage of clay (60 percent) and humus (40 percent). Hence, the soil
is very fertile. The soil can hold the water for a long period due to poor aeration.
Therefore, it is good for rain fed crops and trees.

68
4.3 Temperature, Humidity and Rainfall
Majority of the cities may not have ideal climatic conditions and it is left to
the planner and designer to provide appropriate strategies for maintaining better
comfort conditions. Gulbarga city is also not beyond this aspect. The highest mean
temperature in the month of May is 41.40 C. The temperature also has great influence
on vegetation. The high temperature leads to more evaporation, thereby increasing
the need for water for the plants. This is one of the reasons for sparse vegetation in
Gulbarga City.
The humidity of Gulbarga City is lower than the standard limit of the
comfort level for seven months in a year, which is from January-May, and November-
December. Only the period of five months (June-October) in a year has humidity up
to the comfort level.
The month wise humidity conditions of Gulbarga City are given in Table 4.4
(Refer Appendix 4.1). The ASHRAE (American Society of Heating and
Refrigerating Engineers Association, R. J. Dosat, 1996) defines comfort
parameters for India would be 220C of temperature and 60 percent humidity in
summer and winter, the 280C of temperature and 55 percent humidity
respectively.

180
160
140
Max temp
120
Min temp
100
80 Rainfall mm
60 Humidity 8.30 Hrs
40 Humidity 17.30 Hrs
20
0

Figure 4.2: Mean Temperature, Humidity and Rainfall of City 2001-06

Source: Meteorological Centre, Bangalore 2006.

The low humidity of Gulbarga city directly contributes to discomfort.

To overcome the effects of this dryness, there is need to identify and incorporate
69
proper planning measures that would help in increasing the humidity levels in the city.
The mean annual humidity observed in the morning is 64.08 percent and the
minimum in the evening is 44.3 percent. During the rainy season, from June to
September, humidity in the morning is between 41 percent and 80 percent. Humidity
is low in the month of March, when it is recorded to 47 percent and 26 percent (2006)
in morning and evening respectively. The monsoon period is of four months, from
June to September. August receives the heaviest rainfall of about 227.4 mm (2006).
Table 4.3: Rainfall Variations over the years 2001-2006
ANOVA Single Factor
Source of variation SS df MS F P-value
Between Groups 34050.7 6 5675.117 0.718 0.636
Within Groups 584524.3 74 7898.977
Total 618575 80
Source: ANOVA.

Rainfall was tested by adopting ANOVA for the period of 2001 to 2006. There is no
significant difference in rainfall over the years at 0.05 level of significance (Tables
4.3 and 4.4 (Refer Appendix 4.1); and Figures 4.3

250 MAX 2001

MAX 2006
200
MIN 2001
150 MIN 2006
Rainfall - mm 2001
100
Rainfall-mm 2006

50 Humditiy 8.30 Hrs 2001

Humidity 8.30 Hrs 2006
0
Humidity 17.30 Hrs 2001
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC

Figure 4.3: Month wise Temperature, Rainfall and Humidity of City 2001 2006.
Source: Meteorological Centre, Bangalore 2006.
The maximum temperatures of 2001 and 2006 were tested using‘t’ test and the results
show that there is a significant difference in maximum temperatures between 2001
and 2006 at 0.05 level of significance. The calculated ‘t’ is significant because it is
larger than the table‘t’ value (t=1.796) at 0.005 level of significance (Table 4.5).

70
Table 4.5: Variations in maximum temperatures between 2001 and 2006 for
12 samples‘t’ test

Year Mean SD Calculated Table “t” Significance

“t” value Value
2001 34.59 3.37678
2006 33.875 3.05329 3.078 1.796 0.005
Source: Meteorology Department, Bangalore 2006.

The minimum temperature, tested using t-test, has shown a significant

difference in minimum temperatures between 2001 and 2006 at 0.0005 level of
significance. The calculated ‘t’ (4.369) is significant because it is larger than the
tabulated ‘t’ value (t=1.796) at 0.0005 level of significance (Table 4.6).

Table 4.6: Variations in minimum temperatures 2001 and 2006

(For 12 samples)

Mean SD Calculated Table “t” Significance

Year “t” value value
2001 34.59 3.19201 4.369 1.796 0.0005
2006 33.875 3.19007

Source: Meteorology Department, Bangalore 2006.

Table 4.7: Variations in humidity 2001 and 2006 (For 12 samples at 8.30am)

Year Mean SD Calculated Table “t” Significance

“t” value value
2001 57.75 15.76 0.890 1.717 0.191
2006 64.08333 18.93
Source: Meteorology Department, Bangalore 2006.

Humidity at 0830 hours and at 1730 hours tested using t-test to find the
difference between 2001 and 2006: there is no significant difference in humidity
between 8.30 am and at 5.30 pm between 2001 and 2006 (Tables 4.7 and 4.8).
Table 4.8: Variations in Humidity 2001 and 2006
(For 12 samples at 5.30pm)
Year Mean SD Calculated Table “t” Significance
“t” value value
2001 41.08333 15.6754 0.469 1.717 0.321
2006 44.3333 18.16757

Source: Meteorology Department, Bangalore, 2006

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4.4 Radiation:
Solar energy reaching the earth’s surface is reflected back to the atmosphere
by about 30 percent. Different earth surfaces have different capacities to reflect back
the solar energy. Ocean surfaces reflect 26 percent, deserts reflect 40 percent, and
green areas or forests reflect 15 percent (John, 2011). Therefore, the green areas and
non-radiating surfaces play an important role in reducing radiation. Gulbarga city has
increased in area from 1539.65 ha in 1981 to 6868.02 ha in 2011. There has been a
considerable reduction in green areas from 12.27 percent in 1981 to 6.56 percent in
2011. The reduction in green areas and increase in hard surfaces increases the
radiation, which in turn increases the air temperature. Thus, a planner has to take
care of some of the planning measures that can reduce radiation. High temperature,
low humidity, and a concentration of pollutants have to be reduced through creating
potentials such as more lung spaces, vegetation, and more water bodies.
4.5 Winds
Winds are generally light to moderate with increase in force in the latter half
of summer and in the monsoon. In winter, the wind direction is from east and
northeast; in summer, the wind direction is from west and north; and in the rainy
season, the predominant wind direction is from west, northwest and southwest.
A wind diagram studies of Gulbarga City in Figure 4.5 shows that the industries
releasing any obnoxious gases to the atmosphere should be located on the southern
and the southeastern directions. Only light and medium industries can be located in
the north and the northeastern side of the city.

Figure 4.4: Wind Rose of Gulbarga City

72
4.6 Water and Eco-Friendliness
Eco-friendly cities must have good quality of water in abundant supply or as a
source because it is an effective tool in maintaining ecological balance. It absorbs
temperature, promotes evaporation, and enhances aquatic life. Since beginning, water
has been of decorative pools, channels, fountains, and canals in city planning. The
Mughal’s fascination for water and its use for service and pleasure influenced the
attention of Edwin Lutyens on aesthetic aspects of water in the urban environment.
The British architect and planner Lutyens (1952) incorporated water as a significant
aspect of urban design element.
In Gulbarga also, there is a lake in the central part of the city. The earlier city
planning aspects of Gulbarga city shows step wells in and around the temple
complex and dargah premises that were in use earlier but now in deteriorated
conditions. These water bodies’ help in enhancing the water table, reduce the
atmospheric temperature, and serve the aesthetic and ecological purposes.
4.6.1 Water Pollution in the Lake
The undesired activities like washing clothes, vehicles polluted the lake water.
In urban areas, the wind also carries more dust, and fumes due to excavation and
vehicular movement. The rainwater during the initial days of the monsoon bring large
quantities of pollutants like the organic matter, oil spilled by automobiles, heavy
metals, solid wastes, sewage and industrial effluents. Another major source of
pollution is the discharge of sewage directly into the lake causing increase in nitrates,
phosphates, and residual organic matter that turn the lake water into one facilitating
green algae growth causing eutrophication.

Plate 4.1: The Sharana Basaveshwara Lake at Gulbarga

73
4.6.2 Quality of Lake Water
The Pollution Control Board tested the lake water at nine locations in the
lake. The test reports obtained at different sample spots of the lake show the pH
content of water is within the limit (7.86 to 8.28) compared to the standards
prescribed by the Pollution Control Board (6.5 to 8.5);and dissolved oxygen is 9mg/l
as against the standard limit of 6mg/l for drinking purposes (Table 4.9 and Table
4.10, Refer Appendix 4.1).
The lake water is thus unfit for drinking without treatment. It was rejuvenated
in 2006 in association with the Lake Development Authority of Karnataka. Now, it is
one of the recreational spots of the city with boating facilities generating revenue to
the city. The lake can be preserved and maintained for the ecological balance of the
city. Water absorbs temperature and humidifies the air, thereby creates a comfortable
environment for the residents of the city. As the lake is right in the centre of the city,
it is a major ecological element of the city giving relief and comfort to the population
living in.
4.6.3 Groundwater
To assess the quality of water, ground water was drawn from various open
wells and bore wells at different locations of the city. The overall assessment of city’s
water quality is that it is potable. All samples of water at different locations tested are
colorless and even the fluoride and nitrate content is within limits. However, calcium
is high in the water at Location 1; and magnesium and hardness are however higher
than the standard limits in all locations. It is due to the presence of minerals like iron
and others.
Removal of hardness and magnesium is necessary to make the water safe
for drinking. Other chemical contents of water are good in all samples drawn at
different locations (Table 4.11, Refer Appendix 4.1).
4.7 Vegetation and Eco-Friendliness
Vegetation plays an important role in modifying the environment of any
urban area. Plants have the ability to mitigate pollution. It has been found from the
study that plants do reduce air pollution, noise levels and temperature; they consume
carbon di oxide and release oxygen to the atmosphere, thereby purifying the
environment. Certain plants by the virtue of their thick foliage and texture absorb the
dust or other pollutants. The plants not only reduce pollution but also improve the

74
quality of life of the urban communities, and provide clean and aesthetic, healthy
environment (Gurumukhi, Joadder and Santhosh, 2003).

Plate 4.2: Cassia Varieties of Trees in a Public Garden

During the past few decades, the urban communities, individuals, and
NGOs were making efforts at increasing urban vegetation. Such efforts were carried
out in Gulbarga city as well. The Gulbarga Urban Development Authority has taken
care in planting trees along the Sedum road and the Tank bund road in 2006.
4.7.1 Green Areas of Gulbarga City
Land use analysis of Gulbarga city shows that the percentage of parks and
open spaces is 6.56 percent (446.56 ha, 2011) of the geographical area. However, it is
lesser than the spatial planning standards as the minimum is 10 percent of the total
area under land uses (Ramegowda, 1986). There is one park covering an area of just
1.0 acre (0.42 ha) and there is an aquarium maintained by the Corporation. Some of
the neighborhood parks maintained by the public on their own investment in the city
are at Okaly camp, Jayanagar.
4.7.2 Analysis of Land Utilization based on Satellite Images
For the change detection of land cover like the built up areas, vegetation,
fallow lands, barren lands, and farmlands in Gulbarga city, IRS-P6 satellite images
were used. The remote sensing satellite images were processed using ERDAS
software. All bands of the IRS images series including green, red and near infrared

75
bands segmented at different levels representing the details of land utilization and
land cover (Figure 4.4). Vegetation, built up areas, and open spaces classified based
on a class hierarchy using pixel oriented classification method (Figure 4.5). The
classified images exported into shape files for analysis on Arc View software. A
figure 4.6 shows the ground cover of the city in 2006 and 2008, respectively, in
different colour codes of satellite images.
Table 4.12 (Refer Appendix 4.1), Map 4.1, Fig.4.5, and Map 4.2 reveal the
land utilization patterns of Gulbarga city during 2006 and 2008. It is observed that
the built up area has considerably increased from 20.45 percent to 37.55 percent.
There is also a considerable decrease in the fallow land from 40.94 percent to 18.81
percent from 2006 to 2008. There is a considerable increase in agricultural areas from
5.32 percent to 8.13 percent and increase in vegetation from 9.99 percent to 14.82
percent. In the central part of the city, however, there are no green areas and open
spaces except that around the Lake. Therefore, wherever it is feasible and compatible
with the surrounding land uses, necessary lung spaces, and green areas must be
created in the centre part of the city to make their living comfortable for the residents.

land utilisation-2006 (percent)

0.32 5.32 9.99
22.98 Agriculture
20.45 Vegetation
Built up
40.94 Fallow
Barren Land
Waterbody

Figure 4.5: Changes in Land Cover of Gulbarga city 2006 and 2008
Source: NRSC, ISRO, DOS, Balanagar,Hyderabad.
76
 Map 4.1: Land Utilization of Gulbarga City 2006

Source: NRSC,ISRO, DOS, Balanagar, Hyderabad 2006.

77
 Map 4.2: Land Utilization of Gulbarga City 2008

Source: NRSC,ISRO,DOS, Balanagar, Hyderabad 2008.

78
4.7 Air and Eco-Friendliness
Rapid growth of industry, population and the corresponding changes in the
land use patterns of the city have not only altered the local microclimate but also
polluted the atmosphere. In view of this, protection of the environment has become
one of the most important issues in Gulbarga city. There is an urgent need to give
greater emphasis to the environmental issues incorporating environment as a major
component in the process of city planning to improve the urban ambience.
Excess amount of greenhouse gases and particulate matters give rise to air
pollution. Particulate matters may be of tiny particles of solids, and even liquid
droplets suspended in the air. They may be bits of rubber, metal, lead particles,
droplets of un-burnt hydrocarbon, and dust particles (Pasricha, 2001). Concentrations
of pollutants like the suspended particulate matter are more in cities than in rural
areas. The State Pollution Control Board, Bangalore (2007) has stated that 60 percent
of the air pollution in Gulbarga city is due to vehicular emission, 20 percent is due to
industries, and the rest of 20 percent is the result of indiscriminate burning of wastes
both from domestic and industrial establishments. In order to avoid more damages
due to environmental pollution, the city needs to take care of the safe disposal of
wastes and to increase green spaces. Air quality obtained from three locations in
Gulbarga city, is discussed in the next section.

4.7.1 Analysis of air Quality of Gulbarga City

Table 4.13 (Refer Appendix 4.1) reveals that suspended particulate matter is
found ranging from 9.78 µg/m3 to 337.10µg/m3 and also respirable particulate matter
between 29 µg/m3 and 102.45 µg/m3 and on most days both the pollutants are above
the standard limits (Figure 4.7). Higher values are found however on Friday, Saturday
and Monday of the week because the movement of people is on a large scale on
these days (16.90 percent, 18.31 percent and 14.72 percent, respectively) for
people tend to visit mosques on Friday and temples on Monday whereas there is
greater movement of people on the weekends for marketing and other mundane
purposes. This could also be one of the reasons for increase in the impurities in air
during the weekends.

79
 Concentration of pollutants in air

500
450
400 Suspended particulate matter
350
300
250 Respirable particulate matter
200
150
100 Total suspended particulate
50
0 matter

Figure 4.6: Concentration of SPM, RSPM and TSPM in Air at JB Circle

Source: Pollution Control Board, Gulbarga

Traffic, Travel and Air Pollution: The traffic at the Janata Bazar Circle on week
days has been observed as shown in Table 4.14 (Refer Appendix 4.1) A total of
155,049 vehicles were counted on all days of a week in 2011, of which Monday
(22,830; 14.72 percent) Thursday (23,122; 14.91 percent),Friday (26,206; 16.9
percent), and Saturday (28,386; 18.31 percent) accounted for nearly 65 percent of the
12-hour traffic of that week.

Mon
12.55 14.72 Tue
Wed
18.31 10.66
Thurs
11.94 Fri
16.9 Satur
14.91
Sunday

Figure 4.7: Composition of Traffic Volume of 12 hours versus all Days of a Week
at JB Circle

Maximum traffic is of auto-rickshaws, which are 37.53 percent, followed

by cycle rickshaws, 23.41 percent and 2 wheelers 23.14 percent. The most preferred
mode of travel is of auto-rickshaws because it is shared by several people on any
given trip. But that is too uncomfortable and is more than compensated for by the low
cost of travel for everybody on a trip. Figure 4.8 shows the traffic volume for 12 hours
of all weekdays in Gulbarga. Thursday, Saturday and Monday are characterised by
greater proportions of traffic than other days of the week. Table 4.16 (Refer Appendix
80
4.1) shows that as many as 28,386 vehicles were involved in 12 hours traffic between
8.0 am and 8.0 pm on a Saturday at the Janatha Bazaar Circle (Figure 4.9). Auto-
rickshaws far outnumber (10,653) cycle rickshaws (6,645), two-wheelers (6,568) and
cars (3,042). Goods carriers (1,254) and tractor-trailers (224) account for less than 5
percent of the 12-hour total traffic. There are of course regular buses plying between
different places. However, the town bus traffic is too few and very slow.

Figure 4.8: Traffic Volumes by Modes at JB Circle

Source: Traffic Survey by the researcher, 2011.

Table 4.16 (Refer Appendix 4.1) and Figure 4.9 indicates the maximum
traffic during the morning peak hours (9.0–10.0am) and evening peak hours (6.0 –7.0
pm), as people get around to vegetable markets and other public facilities like the
banks, offices and theatres.

5000
4192
4000
3537
3000 2865
2397 2065 2100 2335 2536 2831
2000 1987
1541
1000
0

Figure 4.9: Traffic flow in PCUs over 12 hours on Saturday (8.0am to 8.0pm) at JB Circle
Source: Traffic Survey by the researcher, 2011.

Table 4.17 (Refer Appendix 4.1) shows suspended and respirable particulate
matter concentration in the air near Gulbarga Development Authority (GDA) Circle.
Higher concentrations of pollutants are in the air during weekends but most of the
81
times from Friday (158.32µg/m3) to Monday (SPM-50.87µg/m3, RSPM-63.46µg/m3).
The highest of suspended particulate matter is 115.68µg/m3 against the standard value
of 30µg/m3and respirable particulate matter is 81.27µg/m3 against the standard value
of 70µg/m3.
As the GDA circle is the mid junction between the bus stand and the railway
station, a large traffic is found during weekends. Commuters are large in Gulbarga as
it is the divisional headquarters and an educational centre. Impurities are found high
during the weekends because of heavy traffic which is shown as true by the traffic
survey.

Concentration of SPM, RSPM in air at GDA circle, Gulbarga.

180
160
140
120
100 Suspended particulate matter

80 Respirable particulate matter

60 Total suspended particulate matter

40
20
0
Friday

Friday
Friday
Friday

Friday
Monday
Friday
Tuesday
Tuesday
Tuesday
Tuesday

Friday

Friday
Monday
Monday

Figure 4.10: SPM, RSPM, and TSPM in air at GDA circle of city 2002
A 12-hour traffic survey at the GDA Circle on all days of a week has been
reported in Table 4.18 (Refer Appendix 4.1). The traffic volume is very high at the
GDA Circle when compared to the Janatha Bazaar Circle. It is 253,183 vehicles
strong, with high volumes on Monday (46,550; 18.39 percent), Friday (54,233;
21.42 percent) and Saturday (35,610; 14.06 percent). Figure 4.12 represents the
week long survey at the GDA Circle.
Figure 4.12 shows the distribution of travel modes on Friday from 8.0 am to
8.0 pm, surveyed by the researcher.

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 Weekdays Vs Share of traffic in PCUs

10.3% Monday
18.39% Tuesday
14.06%
Wednesday
12.88% Thursday

21.42% Friday
11.15%
Saturday
11.8% Sunday

Fig. 4.11 Traffic Volume of 12 hours on all Days of a Week at GDA Circle
Source: Traffic survey by the researcher 2011.

The maximum traffic found on Friday is by 54,233 PCUs. Among them, 39.6 percent
of the traffic is of autos, 28.02 percent is of two- wheelers, 16.13 percent of cycle
rickshaws, 11.14 percent cars, 4.11 percent buses and less than 1.0 percent constitutes
tractor-trailers (0.54 percent) and goods carriers (0.27 percent).

2 wheelers
4.11 16.13
28.02
0.54 Cars
0.27 11.14
39.6 Autos

Tractors

Figure 4.12: Mode of Traffic volume from 8.0am to 8.0pm on Friday

(Maximum traffic on Friday), at GDA Circle.
Source: Traffic survey by the researcher, 2011.

Table 4.19 (Refer Appendix 4.1) and Fig. 4.13 shows the traffic flow from 8.0
am to 8.0 pm on Friday at the GDA Circle by the hours. The peak hours of the day
are between 9.0-10.0 am and 4.0 – 7.0 pm, although the maximum traffic is between
5.0 pm to 6.0 pm. As this junction is midpoint for many of the colleges and
commercial establishments, the heavy traffic is attributable to student and workforce
flows between 5.0 pm to 6.0 pm. Figure 4.14 represents the 12-hour flows by hours.
Traffic begins to build up from 2,342 vehicles during 8.0-9.0 am to 4,806 vehicles
during 10.0-11.0 am only to progressively fall in numbers until it begins to peak from
4.0-5.0 pm to 6.0-7.0 pm: 6,655 to 7,242 vehicles, respectively.
83
 10000
9000 8659
8000
7000 7242
6655
6000
5000 4806 4578
Traffic trend
4000 3887 3618 3800
3600
3000 2812
2000 2342 2234
1000
0

Figure 4.13: Trend of traffic flow in PCUs over 12 hours on Friday, 8.0 am to 8.0 pm
GDA Circle
Source: Traffic survey by the author 2011.
Table 4.20 presents the results of a t-test on the concentration of suspended particulate
matter at the GDA and the Janatha Bazaar Circles of the city of Gulbarga. There is
significant difference in suspended particulate matter between the GDA Circle and
Janatha Bazaar Circle. The calculated t is 3.9008, which is larger than the tabulated t
of 1.6870 at 0.0002 level of significance. From the mean value also, it is evident that
the SPM mean values at the JB Circle is greater than that at the GDA Circle.
Table 4.20: Concentration of SPM at the GDA and Janatha Bazaar Circles -
‘t’ Test

Test Mean Calculated Table “t” Significance

Station “t” value value
GDA 43.496 3.9008 1.6870 0.0002
JB CIRCLE 134.574267

Source: Source: Computed by the researcher.

Table 4.21 is a comparison of the means of RSPM at the GDA and the JB
Circles using the t-test. There is significant difference in RSPM between the GDA
circle and the Janatha Bazaar circle. The calculated t value is 4.5244, which is greater
than the tabulated t value at 1.6870, significant at 0.00003 level of significance. The
mean of RSPM is also higher at the JB Circle than at the GDA Circle primarily due to
the decomposition of vegetables in the Janatha Bazaar and the heavy traffic there.
This is a support for the hypothesis that the activity pattern in a city influences the air
quality of the area in the negative and it is polluted beyond the permissible limits.
Both RSPM and SPM are concentrated heavily at the Janatha Bazaar Circle.

84
 Table 4.21: Concentration of RSPM between the GDA and Janatha Bazaar
Circles -‘t’ Test
Year Mean Calculated Table “t” Significance
“t” value value
GDA 52.29866 4.5244 1.6870 0.00003
JB Circle 80.73125

Source: Computed by the researcher.

Table 4.22 (Refer Appendix 4.1) shows the growth of different types of vehicles in
the city of Gulbarga during the 8-year period between 2001 and 2008. The trend has
shown a steady growth in the use of all types of vehicles throughout the period of 8
years but particularly in two-wheelers and other vehicles.
There were 884,641 vehicles at the end of 2008 in the city of which 69.21
percent of them are 2-wheelers. As much as 60 percent of the pollution in Gulbarga is
mainly due to vehicular emission (SPCB). There is considerable increase in two-
wheelers from 37,172 in 2001 to 142,890 in 2008 (Figure4.14).

Growth of different types of vehicles(Percentage)

120
100
100
80 69.21 Goods carrier

60 Autorickshaw
40 2 wheelers
15.37
20 3.51 6.24 5.73 Cars
0 Other vehicles
Total

Fig. 4.14 Growth of different types of vehicles in Gulbarga City.

4.8 Concentration of Air Pollutants at Hospital Circle
Another node with maximum traffic in Gulbarga city is Hospital circle in
Sedam road. Table 4.23 (Refer Appendix 4.1) shows the annual average of SPM at
the Hospital Circle. It is 214.6µg/m3, 201.5µg/m3, and 193.7µg/m3 in 2007, 2008, and
2009, respectively that are all above the standard limits. The standard limit of
suspended particulate matter in the ambient air is 70 µg/m3 (annual average, source:
CPCB, 2010). The low amount of moisture or dryness of the air also yields to an
increase in SPM during these months. There are many (4.77 percent of) agro-
industries (toor dal) in the city and 47 percent of it is around the Gulbarga city. All

85
these may add to an increase of SPM in the air. Figure 4.16 shows the concentration
of SPM in the air at the Hospital Circle in Gulbarga city.
The annual average limit of RSPM is 50 µg/m3 for sensitive areas (Source:
CPCB), whereas the amount of RSPM in Gulbarga near the Hospital Circle is
80.3µg/m3, 71.3µg/m3, and 71.7µg/m3 in 2007, 2008, and 2009, respectively (Table
4.24, (Refer Appendix 4.1); Figure 4.15). It is slightly above the standard limit. As
this circle is one of the main nodes of Gulbarga city, high concentration of RSPM is
in this region.

Concentration of suspended particulat matter

400

2007
200
2008
2009
0
Feb…

Sept…

Nov…
Dec…
Jan…

Mar…

Oct…
Aug…
June
April
May

July

Figure 4.15: SPM in air 2006-10 at the Hospital Circle

The vehicular emission is one of the reasons for air pollution at the Hospital
Circle in Gulbarga. Table 4.25 (Refer Appendix 4.1) shows that the Sulphur di-oxide
in air at the Hospital Circle is within the standard limit and has been decreasing
steadily from 2007. The concentration needs proper maintenance in the future.

Concentration of respirable suspended particulate matter

150

100 2007
2008
50
2009
0
Febru…

Septe…

Nove…
Dece…
Octob…
June
April
January

May
March

July
August

Fig 4.16: RSPM in air at the Hospital Circle 2006-09

Table 4.26 (Refer Appendix 4.1) indicates that the quantity of nitrous oxide in the air
is high in April, May, September, January, and March. This is due to the large number
of vehicular movements as heavy number of tourists during these months visit the city
86
because of fabulous climate in December and January. March and May are the months
of holiday for educational institutions and a few other organizations. The number of
tourists visiting the city in December is 80,009 followed by 10,387 in November 9842
in January 6364 in February 7580 in March (Table No.3.12, Department of Tourism,
and Bangalore).

Concentration of Sulphur di oxide

4

3
2007
2
2008
1 2009
0

Figure 4.17: Sulphur dioxide in air at the Hospital Circle 2007-09

Source: Pollution Control Board, Bangalore, 2007-09.
Although nitrous oxide is within permissible limit, still the annual
average has been increasing from 12.84 to 13.31µg/m3. The proper measures need to
be taken to avoid such increase in the future.

Concentration of Nitrous oxide

20

15
2007
10
2008
5
2009
0

Figure 4.18: Nitrous oxide in air at the Hospital Circle of city 2006-09
Source: Pollution Control Board, Bangalore 2007-09.
Table 4.27 (Refer Appendix 4.1) shows the annual average concentration
of pollutants sulphur dioxide, nitrous oxide, SPM and RSPM - in the air from 2007 to

87
2009. While sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide have been with standard limits, SPM
and RSPM have far exceeded the standards for the annual average concentrations.

350
300 214.63
201.48 193.68
250 SPM µg/M3
200
RSPM µg/M3
150 70
80.41 70.33 70.61 No2
100
50 12.84 13.31 13.31 15 50 So2
0 0
2007 2008 2009 Standards

Figure 4.19: Average air pollutants 2007-09 at the Hospital Circle of city
Source: Central Pollution Control Board, Bangalore.
By observing the data, it is clear that the annual average value of pollutants has been
decreasing. SPM has been decreasing from 214.63 µg/m3 in 2007 to 193.68 µg/m3 in
2009. RSPM is decreasing slightly from 80.41 µg/m3 to 70.61 µg/m.3 The quantity of
sulphur di oxide has decreased from 2.84 µg/m3 to 2.56 µg/m3 during the same period.
The quantity of nitrous oxide has on the contrary increased from 12.84 µg/m3 in 2007
to 13.31 µg/m3 in 2009 (Figure 4.19). It has been due to increased volumes of traffic
in the city.
To test the significance of pollutants over the period 2007 to 2009, ANOVA
single factor test has been applied and there is no significant difference in the
Table 4.28: Concentration of sulphur dioxide at the Hospital Circle

ANOVA Single Factor

SS Df MS F P-value

Between Groups 2 2.9773 0.0647

0.744906 0.37245
Within Groups 33
4.128217 0.12509
35
Total 4.873122
Source: Computed by the resarcher.

concentration of sulphur dioxide at the Hospital Circle over the years as the F test
computed is 2.9773 significant only at 0.0647 (Table 4.28).
88
 There is no significant difference in concentration of RSPM at the Hospital
Circle over the years as well, as the F test computed is 0.7095 and the p value is
0.4992 (Table 4.29). Nor there is any significant difference in the concentration of
nitrous oxide for F-test 0.1687 significant at 0.8454 (Table 4.30).
Table 4.29: Concentration of RSPM at the Hospital Circle

Anova single factor

SS df MS F P-value

Between Groups 636.72222 2 318.3611 0.7095 0.4992

Within Groups 14806.25 33 448.6742

Total 15442.97 35
Source: Computed by the researcher.

The concentration of pollutants has been decreasing from 2007 to 2009

except for nitrous oxide. This is due to some of the measures initiated by the Urban
Development Authority in tree planting as well as the measures taken up by the RTO.
The Regional Traffic and Transportation Office conducted emission test on 129
vehicles in 2001-2002 to ensure the number of non-polluting vehicles. This included
62 Government vehicles and 7 buses belonging to the Northeast Karnataka Road
Transportation Corporation.
Table 4.30: Concentration of Nitrous Oxide at the Hospital Circle
ANOVA Single Factor
SS df MS F P-value
Between Groups 1.764272 2 0.8821 0.1687 0.8454
Within Groups 172.5429 33 5.2285
Total 174.3072 35
Source: Computed by the researcher.
In August 2002–2003, the same organization conducted emission tests on 664
vehicles and imposed fine on 174 vehicles which polluted the atmosphere, collected
fine up to Rs. 43,560. Such measures have helped a lot in reducing the pollution to
some extent.
Table 4.31 (Refer Appendix 4.1) describes the standards as prescribed by the
Pollution Control Board. These standards have been compared with the pollutant
contents of air of Gulbarga city at different emission test centers like the GDA Circle,

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Market JB Circle, and the Hospital Circle. Overall, the situation in Gulbarga city
deserves careful attention in mitigating pollution of the air.
4.9 Solid Waste Generation and Management
4.9.1 General Waste Management
Air pollution is not only due to traffic and other activities but also due to
the garbage disposal on streets, organic decomposition, and domestic waste burning.
At present, the city does not have a proper waste disposal system. The segregation of
waste at source is not in practice. The authority has not taken up any measures in
segregating the waste and disposal of waste safely at appropriate locations. Open
dumping is the only method of disposal adopted even as piece meal efforts have been
on in some localities towards composting.

Plate 4.3: Improper waste disposal in a residential area

Table 4.32 (Refer Appendix 4.1) shows the amount of waste generated by
different activities such as the residential waste generation which in the city accounts
for 68.40 percent, market waste generation 9.41 percent, boarding and lodgings for
6.63 percent, shops and other commercial activities 5.92 percent, hospitals for 4.91
percent and other activities generate 4.76 percent of the total wastes. Ward wise waste
generation of Gulbarga City is put in a table and appended to the thesis (Refer
Appendix 4.1).
The collection of waste from door to door practiced in 10 wards and in
remaining wards; waste is disposed directly into dustbins. At present, 42 vehicles are
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in use to transport the waste to dumping yards. The Corporation workers are involved
in disposal of waste of 25 wards, and the remaining 30 wards have been given on
contract basis for disposal of wastes. There is no processing or scientific land filling
of wastes. However, still the traditional method of disposal of waste is in practice. An
area of 28 acres of land is required for processing and land filling of the solid wastes.
The City Municipal Corporation has identified the site at Udnoor village. Five acres
of this land have been procured while the remaining 23 acres are under the process of
acquisition. The “Nirmal Nagar Programme” under the Karnataka State Government
has also emphasized on solid waste management for the city.
4.9.2 Bio-Medical Waste Management
Bio-medical waste is generated during diagnosis, treatment or
immunization of human beings or animals or in research activities pertaining to the
production or testing of biological (INEP, 2007). The improper bio-medical waste
disposal may expose the people to many diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B, Asthma,
Tuberculosis, Skin, and other respiratory ailments. It also creates air pollution due to
use of incinerators at the hospitals, deep burial of waste leads to the pollution of
aquifers and land. Disposal of bio medical waste is a complex process; it is also
different from domestic waste. It must be segregated, collected, stored, transported
and disposed off in accordance with the prescribed rules. The Bio-Medical Waste
Management (BMWM) Act 1998 has made it mandatory for every health care
establishment to segregate bio-medical waste from general waste into different
categories at source and treat them appropriately to make them non-hazardous. The
Health Care Establishments (HCEs) in Gulbarga City are (see Table 4.33, Refer
Appendix 4.1).
The common facility CHAMP (Common Healthcare Appropriate Waste
Management Plant) established at Sharanasirasigi village, 10 km from Gulbarga at the
cost of Rs. 20 million by the Centre for Environmental Education (CEE) that works
under the Union Forest and Environment Ministry. The financial assistance was part
of the Indo-Norwegian Environment Project. The HCEs of Gulbarga have signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CEE for using the facility on paying
charges.
The user charges fixed at Rs. 2 / day / bed for the bedded hospitals and
Rs. 200 per month for the non-bedded clinics. The charge includes collection,
segregation, transportation, appropriate treatment, and disposal of the hazardous
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waste. The centre has a composting pit that is of an eco-friendly feature as well.
Kitchen wastes from the HCEs composted and marketed which has the potential to
bring greater income. The CHAMP facility can serve 10,000 beds as against the 3,000
beds that are currently available in Gulbarga city. Therefore, the facility can also
serve Bidar and other surrounding places.
The BMWM project has taken care of overall parameters that
contribute to an air, water, and land pollution-free city. The project has also made
provision to train the hospital and laboratory staff for safe disposal of bio-medical
wastes and their management. Table 4.34 (Refer Appendix 4.1) gives a classification
of bio-medical wastes and the amount of wastes generated on a given day, and under
each category at the HCEs in the city. A total of nearly 1,500 kg of bio-medical waste
was generated in 2004; a third of it is being generated as the microbiological and bio-
technological wastes (502 kg/day).Today, they are all segregated and stored in boxes
of different colors as shown in the table.
4.10 Built Forms Influencing Eco-Friendliness in Gulbarga City
Buildings are also one of the major components that contribute a lot towards
eco-friendliness along with the above-discussed natural, physical, climatic factors.
Construction industry consumes about 2/3 of the energy at the global level, generates
about 1/3 of the waste (Global Statistics) and produces greenhouse gas emissions.
Hence, it is necessary to construct buildings that consume low energy and minimize
waste generation. The sustainable building design involves the integration of different
design solutions to minimize waste, energy and water consumption. The traditional
construction practices may follow in conjunction with some modern techniques to
achieve the most efficient, long lasting and comfortable building spaces.
In modern terms, the environment or eco-friendly buildings are also named
as the green buildings. The green buildings ensure that the waste is minimized at
every stage during the construction and operation of the buildings, resulting in low
costs. The features of such structures include effective use of existing landscapes, use
of energy efficient and eco-friendly equipment, use of recycled and eco-friendly
building materials, providing good indoor air for human safety and comfort and
efficient use of water.
4.10.1 Case Studies of Eco-Friendly Buildings in Gulbarga City
Traditional buildings: Built mainly during 1909-1960, the most prominent
characteristic of any traditional building in Gulbarga is the thick external wall, having
92
small openings that reduce the transfer of heat. The eco-friendly aspects considered in
the design of these buildings are as follows:
• The plan of the building is square or rectangular shaped with a central
courtyard. Small openings provided to get required ventilation and to stop
solar radiation, glare, and dust.
• The roof is flat in nature and constructed with compacted mud and lime mortar
finish on the top.
• In hot-dry climates, compact planning with little or no open spaces would
minimize heat gain. When the heat production of the buildings is low, compact
planning minimizes heat gain and is desirable. In summer, one feels cool and
comfortable inside during the daytime. The buildings are not comfortable
during the night because of the heat radiation from the walls and the low wind
flows due to smaller windows. Courtyard and rooftop are used for sleeping in
summer.
• During winter, the heat stored in walls during daytime radiate at nights in the
rooms and provides comfort without using any mechanical heating systems.
The backyard of the building is used for general utility as well as for
maintaining privacy.

Plate 4.4: Central courtyard often serves as workplace.

4.10.2 Contemporary Buildings

Residential building
• The construction is in brick masonry; external walls are constructed using
rattrap bond. The technique used for the construction of external wall is to
minimize the heat transfer from outside to inside the building.
93
 • Architect has not used plastering or any treatment to the external surface of
the wall. The building is with exposed brickwork, red oxide coat on it for
reducing the absorption of heat. It is because cement is a good conductor
of heat.
• The building has a slope roof constructed in RCC. The inclination given to
the roof considers the sun path so that maximum reflection of solar
radiation takes place.
• Holes are provided in the first floor slabs to pass the air from ground floor
to the first floor and from the first floor to dormer window, which is on the
roof slab. Circulation of air occurs continuously in such buildings.
• All the window openings on the external wall are of the size 0.6 m × 1.5
m. The windows with wooden shutters are good because timber is a good
insulator of heat. A good landscape is suitable for hot-dry climate. On the
western and southern sides, tall trees planted to create shadows on the
building as well as on open spaces to keep them cool.
4.10.3 Public Buildings
The Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation constructed the new Office
Complex of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in the city. The IGP complex is the
first "green building" of the government sector in the country. The building has won
the international LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) gold
rating. The energy saving comes to about 23 percent and water saving is 47 percent.
Energy conscious features of the building are:
• Composite walls, filler slabs have been used instead of concrete to reduce heat
gain.
• PDEC (Passive Downdraft Evaporative Cooling) towers for providing
comfort.
• Projected canopy around the building of 90 cm and the trombe walls of 60 cm
along both sides of the windows minimize the sunrays entering the buildings.
• Tinted glasses to reduce glare.
• Central atrium to enhance cross-ventilation and day lighting.
• Solar energy for lighting and water pumps, rainwater harvesting, and water
recycling facilities for PDEC towers.

94
4.10.3.1 Predicted Comfort Temperatures using Humphrey’s Equation
Humphrey (1998) conducted surveys throughout the world and plotted
comfortable temperatures against the outdoor temperatures for the months of the
surveys. He expressed the relationship between comfort temperature (T c ) and outdoor
temperature (T o ) by equation as in T c = 11.9 + 0.53 T 0 for buildings, which are
neither heated nor cooled. However, the predicted comfort temperatures using
Humphrey’s equation will not change whether it is vernacular, normal RCC or
alternative technology like the solar/passive or PDEC tower building. Table 4.35
(Refer Appendix 4.1) shows the predicted comfort temperature calculated from the
mean monthly outdoor temperature of Gulbarga city (Refer Figure 4.21).
The predicted indoor comfort temperature for Gulbarga city as per
Humphrey’s equation for the period January to December has been given in Table
4.35 and this predicted temperature does not vary for vernacular, RCC, conventional
and alternative technology construction.
The temperature inside different types of buildings like the vernacular, RCC,
conventional, and alternative technology construction is measured against the outdoor
temperature. In the buildings with PDEC tower and solar/passive measure, the indoor
temperature is very much nearer to the Humphrey’s predicted comfort temperature
and also the indoor comfort temperature as per ASHRAE (American Society of
Heating and Refrigerating Engineers Association) regulations is between 220 C to 260
C. Hence, such buildings are more comfortable than the normal RCC buildings and
vernacular buildings.
Table 4.36 (Refer Appendix 4.1) presents indoor and outdoor air temperatures
in various categories of buildings in the city of Gulbarga. Whereas outdoor
temperatures throughout the year are not within the comfortable limits of 22o C to 26o
C, the indoor temperatures are comfortable only during October-December and that
too not in all categories of buildings (see Figure 4.21). On the other hand, only the
buildings with PDEC towers have shown comfortable indoor temperatures throughout
the year. Therefore, it is possible to create comfortable and eco-friendly buildings in
the city of Gulbarga if only the techniques of keeping indoor cool are cost-effective
and are available widely.

95
 45
40 mean max.
temperature"
35
30
mean minimum
25
temperature
20
15
Mean outdoor
10 temperature
5
0 predicted comfort
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 temperature

Figure 4.20: Predicted indoor comfort temperatures for Gulbarga City using
Humphrey’s equation

Plate 4.7: Photovoltaic panels for extensive Plate 4.8: View of tower from top
use of solar energy
outside air
45 temperature

40 Vernacular
35 buildings
30 Normal RCC
25 buildings without
20 cooling effects
Buildings with
15 solar/passive
10 technique
Buildings with
5
PDEC cooling
0 towers

Fig. 4.21: Indoor and Outdoor air temperature in various categories of buildings.
Source: Office of the Inspector General of Police, Gulbarga.
96
 Plate 4.9: Vertical windows Plate 4.10: The vaults finished
to capture maximum sunlight with china mosaic tiles radiate the heat
4.11 Conclusion
• Topography of the city has shown a flat surface with slight undulations.
Because of the terrain, the plots on southern side of the city receive better
winds and sunshine.
• Most part of the city has black to medium black soil and a few parts are
covered with red soil. Black soil is clayey in nature; red soil is comparatively
coarser in texture and hard. The soil is suitable for rain fed crops.
• The climatic analysis of the city has shown high, uncomfortable temperatures
in summer with low humidity that create discomfort to the occupants.
Water bodies and green areas
Small numbers of water bodies have been found in the city, are decreasing in
area from 2.39 percent to 0.54 percent, from 1981 to 2011.Water bodies also
break the arid zone’s characteristic visual monotony by introducing a new
landscape. Thus, a zone of water bodies created around the city in accordance
with the wind direction makes it more comfortable.

Plate 4.11: Radiation from paved surfaces and water.

97
 • The sketch in Plate 4.16 illustrates how the solar rays radiate back to the
environment after striking paved surfaces or ground, if there is water (or soft
surface), however, the sunrays do not radiate back, on the other hand,
temperature would become absorbed in water and thus keeps the atmosphere
cool.
• Since the water quality of the existing lake is such that it is not potable, it can
be reserved for ecological balance.
• The satellite image analysis shows that the built up area of the city is
increasing day-by-day. It is becoming dense, especially in the centre of the
city. There is a need to take care to increase green spaces in the centre part of
the city. It is possible to maintain a green cover throughout the year if the
evergreen plants are planted in the city.
Air quality
The pollutant in the air at the JB Circle, GDA Circle, and Hospital Circle of
Gulbarga city when compared with the standard content of ambient air
prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board is high. The following
observations have been made after comparing with the standard quality of air.
• The average 24-hour concentration of suspended particulate matter in air is
found at 14.48 µg /m3 to 115.68 µg /m3 whereas the standard limit for 24
hours as for suspended particulate matter is 30µg /m3 and during the weekends
SPM has been found to be high. The annual average concentration of
suspended particulate matter is 214 µg /m3, 201µg/m3, 193.68µg /m3in 2007,
2008, 2009 respectively, against the standard limit of annual average of
suspended particulate matter is 70µg/m3. Hence, the quantity of SPM has been
found to be more than the standard limit. It is 4 times higher than the standard
limit. Due to improper management of solid waste and industrial activities, the
suspended particulate matter concentration is more. Proper measures are to be
taken to overcome the content of SPM in the air.
• The average 24-hour concentration of respirable suspended particulate matter
in air is found to be 29µg/m3 to 153.7µg /m3the standard limit of respirable
suspended particulate matter of size less than 10mm is 75 µg /m3. The annual
average concentration of respirable particulate matter is 80.41µg/m3,
70.33µg/m3, and 70.61µg/m3 in 2007, 2008, and 2009, respectively against the

98
 standard limit of annual average of respirable suspended particulate matter
50µg/m3. Hence, the quantity of respirable particulate matter is higher than the
standard limits. Proper measures are to be taken to care and to overcome the
content of RSPM in the air.
• The annual average concentration of sulphur dioxide is observed to be 2.84 µg
/m, three 2.52 µg/m3 and 2.56 µg/m3 in 2007, 2008, and 2009, respectively. The
standard limit of annual average of sulphur dioxide is 30 µg/m3. Hence, it is
within the limit of standards as prescribed by the Pollution Control Board.
• The annual average concentration of nitrous oxide was 12.84µg /m3, 13.31
µg/m3, and 13.31 µg/m3 in 2007, 2008, and 2009 respectively. The standard
limit of annual average of nitrous oxide is 15 µg/m3. Hence, from the test
reports it is found that the concentration of nitrous oxide is within the limit of
standards as prescribed by the Pollution Control Board.
• Vehicles have been increasing in number considerably. Due to vehicular
emissions, the nitrous oxide has been increasing though it is within the limit of
standards.
Built forms
• For a building to function well in co-ordination with the environment there
should be a relation between the interior and exterior environments,
orientation, building forms and materials. The vernacular, solar/passive
buildings, buildings with evaporative cooling techniques are more comfortable
than ordinary RCC buildings.
• The buildings with evaporative cooling technologies have indoor temperature
nearer of 200 C to 240 C, which is nearer to comfort temperature. Buildings
with solar passive techniques have slightly higher temperature of 280 C to
350C, vernacular buildings temperature ranges from 290 C to 360 C, and
normal RCC buildings have a range of temperature of 240 C to 390 C, which is
higher than comfort temperature as predicted by Humphrey’s equation.
• From the study, it is observed that provision of a central courtyard is
preferable which helps in achieving shaded spaces, natural light in most of the
places and better circulation of air without providing many openings on the
exterior surfaces in hot arid areas like Gulbarga city.

99
 • Energy Efficient Windows Systems-Providing windows and sunshades in such
a manner that there is minimum sunlight falling during peak times on walls
and windows during summers and the maximum sunshine entering and falling
on walls during winters, which is possible to achieve with proper orientation
of the building in accordance with the sun path diagram.
• Positioning of windows and size of windows are important in achieving the
maximum light with less heat gain.
Energy Efficient Construction
• It involves modifications in constructing the normal 9-inch thick brickwork
with internal hollow and interconnected spaces. (Also called as ‘breathing
walls’).
• Energy Efficient Roofs-Many of the modern buildings today are of RCC. The
roofs should be designed in such a way as to reduce heat absorption. Adopting
wooden roofs, cavity roofs filled with insulating materials are a few of the
solutions.
Table 4.37: Comparative influences of natural elements on
respective design decisions
Design decisions Natural elements/ Resources
Decisions Sun Wind Water Vegetation Land

Orientation

Form or shape of the building

Space planning and organization of
different spaces in a building
Building envelope and fenestrations
Buffer spaces between buildings
Choice of materials/ construction
Techniques.
Building height

Very much important

Medium important
Less important
Source: Compiled by the Research Scholar, 2012

Table 4.37 shows the comparative influences of natural elements on

respective design decisions that can be adapted for Gulbarga city in an effective way
Table 4.37 illustrates the influence of natural elements like topography, water,
vegetation, sun, wind direction over the building design. The form or shape of the

100
buildings, fenestration in building envelope, building height, and open spaces between
buildings are very much influenced by the sun, wind direction, surrounding
vegetation, and location of water bodies, may be the existing or created ones. The
construction techniques, materials used for the construction are not much associated
with wind, water, and land but at the same time very much influenced by the sun path.
Space planning, building height, has medium influence of land, materials, vegetation.
The analysis of the above parameters concluded that the natural features
like the black soil, scanty rainfall; high temperature lead to less vegetation and water
bodies in city area that in turn influences the land use and design of built forms in
Gulbarga city. Also the activity pattern like industrial activities (the city has agro
based industries of 26.54 percent and service industries of 44.9 percent among the
total industries, Refer Table No: 3.11) indirectly contributes to the more content of
SPM in the air. The high traffic in the road junctions, main roads during peak hours
say 8659 PCU between 5pm to 6pm and 4806 PCU between 9am and 10 am (Fig.
4.13) lead to more air pollution in major streets and junctions.
However, there are possibilities to improve air and water quality,
designing and construction of built forms, land use with certain planning strategies
which have been discussed in Chapter VII.

101