Unknown White Foam Seen on Bengaluru Roads After Rains
Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of India, is known for its vibrant culture, scenic lakes, and lush greenery. However, the city’s residents were left puzzled when they woke up to find mysterious white foam covering the roads after a spell of rainfall and thunderstorms on Saturday.
Pictures shared on social media showed the white foam covering the streets, leaving many wondering what could have caused it. A resident, who shared a video of the foam on Instagram, asked, “Does anyone know what’s happening?”
The video, which has gone viral on social media, shows the foam flowing down the road like a river. While some people speculated that the foam could be due to a chemical spill or pollution, others attributed it to soapnut trees, whose flowers reportedly react with water to create the foam.
But, is the mystery solved? Not quite. While the soapnut theory seems plausible, experts and officials are still trying to determine the exact cause of the white foam.
Soapnut Trees: The Likely Culprit?
Soapnut trees, also known as Sapindus trifoliatus, are native to India and are commonly found in Bengaluru. The trees produce small, yellow flowers that are used to make soap. According to some experts, the flowers of the soapnut tree contain a sap that reacts with water to create a white, foamy substance.
However, not everyone is convinced that the soapnut theory is the sole explanation. “While soapnut trees could be a contributing factor, it’s unlikely to be the sole cause of the foam,” said Dr. Sreenivas, a environmental scientist.
Dr. Sreenivas pointed out that the foam was found in several areas of the city, including roads, drains, and even residential areas. “If the foam were solely due to soapnut trees, it would be limited to specific areas where the trees are present,” he said.
Other Theories
Other experts have suggested that the foam could be caused by a combination of factors, including pollution, sewage, and industrial waste. “The foam could be a result of a chemical reaction between pollutants in the water and the soapnut sap,” said Dr. Kumar, a chemistry professor.
Dr. Kumar pointed out that the foam was not limited to areas with soapnut trees, but was found in several parts of the city. “This suggests that there may be other factors at play, including pollution and sewage,” he said.
What’s Being Done?
The Bengaluru Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken notice of the situation and is investigating the cause of the foam. “We are collecting samples of the foam and water to determine the exact cause of the problem,” said a BMC official.
The official added that the corporation is also working to improve the city’s drainage system to prevent such incidents in the future. “We are upgrading our drainage infrastructure to ensure that water is properly drained and doesn’t accumulate on the roads,” the official said.
Conclusion
The mysterious white foam that covered the streets of Bengaluru after a spell of rainfall and thunderstorms has left many wondering what could have caused it. While the soapnut theory seems plausible, experts are still trying to determine the exact cause of the foam.
As the city continues to investigate, residents are left to wonder what the future holds for Bengaluru. Will the city’s drainage system be improved to prevent such incidents in the future? Only time will tell.
