Abstract

Due to increase in population, rapid Industrialization and pollution, Soil Contamination by heavy metals is increasing rapidly; their concentration and persistence is a serious problem all over the world. Cadmium (Cd), Chromium(Cr), Mercury(Hg), Cobalt (Co), Nickel(Ni), Zinc(Zn), Arsenic(As) and Lead(Pb) are the mainly hazardous and commonly found heavy metals in the contaminated areas. Various Physio-chemical and Biological methods are used these days to decontaminate the soil as well as water. Soil Washing is a physio-chemical method which has high efficiency of decontamination and is very cost effective too. Remediation of Heavy Metals from soil is extremely important to eliminate the risks, for the purposes of land use for agricultural outputs, enhancing quality and security of food and to scale down land tenure problems.

Abstract

In emerging technology paradigm, “Geographical Information System (GIS)” has emerged as a powerful tool which has the potential to organize complex spatial environment with tabular relationships. For the present work, study area considered is Kodagu District of Karnataka State where 1412 Sacred Groves (SG) are identified. SGs are the places where biodiversity will be preserved based on religious beliefs. Present work describes how GIS tools can be utilized effectively to manage and disseminate the spatial data and its role in conservation of SG which is the need of the day. During field visit, totally 851 species have been studied, out of which 91 are Tree species, 59 are Medicinal plant species, 16 are animals and 26 are bird species. It has been found among these that 2 are Critically Endangered, 1 Endangered, 7 vulnerable Tree species, and 2 Endangered,4 vulnerable animal species and 26 least concerned bird species can be seen in SGs. Open Geo Suite application proved to be effective not only in visualization, but also in dissemination of data as well as answering the location/attribute based queries. From the study, it can be concluded that, GIS tools and Open Geo Suite applications are effective in supporting conservation and sustainable management of this age old tradition.

Abstract

Evapotranspiration is an important component of the hydrologic cycle and plays a significant role in determining the crop water requirement. Evapotranspiration from a cropped surface is influenced by a number of factors which may be broadly classified as crop related factors and meteorological factors. FAO-56 Penman Monteith method is universally accepted as the standard method for calculating reference evapotranspiration. However, the meteorological inputs for this method are difficult to obtain. In this context, the user is forced to rely on simple temperature and radiation based empirical equations which require lesser number of inputs which are readily available. Here, an attempt is made to statistically compare five different empirical reference evapotranspiration estimation methods, with Penman Monteith method as reference, in six different climate types prevailing in Karnataka. The calculations are done on daily and monthly time scales using computer programs developed in Microsoft Excel.

Abstract

Monitoring the relationship between compressive strength (fc) and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) of concrete has been recently discussed by many researchers. In this paper, the compressive strength and Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) of a wide range of structural concrete mixes are obtained experimentally. This study involves 90 different mixes tested for 28- day compressive strength and UPV. Firstly, the relation between the average velocity of ultrasonic waves and the Water- Cement ratio (W/C) is discussed. In addition, the relation between the average compressive strength and average ultrasonic pulse velocity is studied. Furthermore, the prediction of the concrete's compressive strength by using UPV test is investigated. Finally, the influence of using puzzolan, an additive material, on both concrete compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity is discussed.

Abstract

Currently traffic congestion and its regulation has become a major problem in most of the metropolitan cities of developing countries. The roadway width is not in pace with the increase in vehicular volume. Optimization and alternative routes play a critical role in providing better solutions than adopting conventional method of improving the signalized intersections. The outcome of the proposed solution shall be less expensive than providing interchanges in the existing situation. Design of effective traffic signal is an exigent task and evaluation of signal time will certainly help improve traffic congested locations in metropolitan cities. Very little research was performed in the evaluation of signal timing plans, especially in the context of microscopic simulation for our city.

In India, traffic congestion on urban roads has been recognized as a national problem. The average vehicular speed on urban roads streets is less than 25 kmph during the peak hours. This speed reduction will have adverse effect on countries economy. The Metropolitan city of Hyderabad is also under same situation of traffic congestion. Based on the study conducted by Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR), it is inferred that average speeds on all major corridors within the city have been dropped to 20 kmph during peak hours and the contribution of two wheelers is more than 60% in total traffic volume.

In this context, an attempt is made to study and evaluate the existing intersections by providing alternative route direction. The selected corridor is a major intersection (Bowenpally intersection) in Hyderabad city. Parameters such as delay, average and maximum queue length are evaluated through microscopic simulation techniques (VISSIM). It is observed from the existing signal timings of Bowenpally intersection and through simulation results that, the intersection has a delay of 162.5 sec. This intersection, when provided with alternative route direction for left turn traffic movements, the delay was improved to 113.9 sec.

Abstract

Linear Programming is applied to the case study of Khadakwasla Complex reservoir project, Maharashtra, India for the objective of agricultural production. Khadakwasla Complex project consists of Khadakwasla Irrigation Project, Janai- Sirsai Lift Irrigation Scheme (JSLIS), and Purandar Lift Irrigation Scheme (PLIS). Seventy five percent dependable inflow scenario (scenario I) is considered to understand various facets of irrigation planning. Continuity equation, land and water requirements of crops, minimum and maximum reservoir storages, canal capacity, command area restrictions and groundwater availability are the considered constraints. Effect of water scarcity is also considered in the form of ninety percent dependable inflow scenario (scenario II). It is observed that the annual crop production in scenario I, from Khadakwasla command is 1465991 ton, from JSLIS command is 240863.69 ton and from PLIS command is 660652.62 ton. The production reduces drastically in scenario II and it is 1100080 ton from Khadakwasla command, 183699.5 ton from JSLIS command and 154466.3 ton from PLIS command. Overall annual crop production decreases by 929241 ton, owing to scarcity of water available for irrigation in drought situation. It is concluded that output is sensitive to the changes in the inflow levels.