Civil engineers pitch for sustainable living

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru:

Sustainability has become a major concern in the city, especially after the damage caused due to the recent rains and infrastructural issues. In order to find solutions, the Association of Consulting Civil Engineers is organizing REDECON, a biennial event that is now its 10th edition.

Addressing a press conference at the launch, the association Chairman, Shrikant Channalm, said, “We have seen a lot of disasters happening not just in our country but throughout the world. Europe saw an unprecedented heat wave, with flooding in Pakistan and in Bengaluru. This is happening because of an ecological imbalance that’s caused by increasing temperatures.”

He claimed that chlorofluorocarbon released into the atmosphere was a major contributor. On what people can do in their daily lives to help the cause, he cites how he made his building sustainable. “I have a 10-storey apartment. On the terrace, I grow many vegetables and make sure all the rainwater is harvested,” he explained.

Another reason for the failure of projects is the lack of consultation with civil engineers. HR Girish, the chairman of the Indian Concrete Institute said, “When you build with alternate materials, the building will be strong if it is in the right hands and not used as a costcutting measure.” The two-day seminar will be held at the Nimhans Convention Centre on Nov 17-18.