Water seepage at underpass: Finally, BBMP finds solution

Water seepage at underpass: Finally, BBMP finds solution
Bangalore, DHNS:
The BBMP has hit upon an idea to handle ground water seepage, which has been an obstacle to the construction of the low-cost underpass at Cauvery theatre junction.

With the help of water management experts from Chennai the Palike has set up a well to collect ground water. The well will be connected to a chamber, being constructed at a distance of 100 metres from the underpass. The chamber is, in turn, connected to a drain on Bellary road.

Executive Engineer (Underpass) M S Vishwanath said that the mechanism to handle ground water has been implemented with the assistance of experts from Chennai. “The Palike took the assistance of Chennai based Shibu Vergheese company to tackle the problem. Engineers who are experts in managing the flow of water succeeded in laying a pipeline of 215 mtr, connecting the well and the chamber without digging the ground. They charged Rs 6000 per mtr,” he said.

Vishwanath said that the flow of ground water has been the major roadblock in the construction of the underpass. “At the outset it affected excavation works, caused a landslip and affected the retaining wall. Had we not faced these problems, work would have been completed as per schedule. Within two-three days, the mechanism to dispose of seepage will be ready, and then work on the underpass will go at a faster pace,” he said. The mechanism adopted to handle ground water will be used to dispose rainwater that gets collected at the underpass. “Slope will be provided at the underpass such that rainwater collects at one point. Grating, a metallic structure, will be placed at the entrance of the underpass to collect rainwater in a chamber, from where the water is made to flow into a nearby storm water drain”, he said.

What if the vehicles get stuck? The width of the underpass is only 4.5 metres. Two four-wheelers or one bus can pass through the underpass at once. When asked what would be the alternate arrangements if a bus gets stuck in the underpass, the executive engineer said vehicles will be allowed on the service road beside the underpass until the vehicle stuck in the underpass is removed. The down-ramp of the underpass is ready for asphaltation. However, preparation of the up-ramp for asphaltation needs at least four days. Solar lights will be utilised to illuminate the underpass at night. Wiring work for power connectivity has begun.