It is reported in the media that repairs are being done to solve the problem of flooding of the Saraswatipuram underbridge. As a geologist specializing in ground water and having work experience of more than 35 years, let me give my perspective on the problem.
The university playgrounds located just to the east of the underbridge consist of highly fractured and weathered murummic quartz (sand) rich rocks and filled up with brownish sandy soil. The nature of the soil facilitates easy and fast percolation. It might be the reason that there is no significant surface runoff even during heavy rains. The deep road cutting for the railway underbridge accentuates the process of percolation and it is possible that it is the percolated water seeping on to the road that is the main cause of the flooding of the underbridge. If this is the real reason for the flooding, an underground sump may be built on the eastern side of underground road and an automatic pump installed to bail out the water. This work may be taken up now along with the rest of the repairs to solve the problem.
V.Mahesha, Mysore Grahakara Parishat
V.Mahesha, Mysore Grahakara Parishat