Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
(2) The systems would add 70%-80% runoff water from roads directly to
groundwater as against 10%-15% by natural process.
(3) The green belt should be developed near the percolation pits/injection
wells as the trees would require less watering due to high-moisture
contents near these structures.
(4) These rainwater-harvesting systems would also help in increasing the
life of the roads, as there will be negligible stagnant rainwater on the
roads.
(5) These would also help in creating hygienic condition, as there will be
control on spread of diseases like malaria, etc. due to absence of stag-
nant water on the roads.
(6) The concept envisaged in this paper would be helpful in solving drink-
ing water problems and would act as controlling factor for falling water
levels, which would in turn be helpful in increasing agricultural pro-
ductivity also.
(7) It would also help in saving electricity/diesel as one meter rise in water
level saves about 0.4 W of electricity.
6. Limitations and Solutions
(1) The vertical iron filters to be provided in drains may be chocked due to
silt/ occasional waste found on the road. The filters need to be cleaned
periodically.
(2) The oil and grease from vehicles may reach in drains with water at
places with heavy trac density. The upper coarse sand layer should
be replaced in filtration tanks every week during rainy season which
will absorb oil and grease.
(3) Some human and animal waste materials may carry organic contam-
ination to drains with running water. A small layer of potassium per
magnate should be spread over coarse layer in filtration tanks for dis-
infecting water before it reaches aquifer. It should be replaced before
every rainy season.
7. Example
Taking 14,000 km long “Prime Minister's Golden quadrilateral” National
Highway project across India having minimum width of 30 m will have an
area of 420
10
6
square meters. Presuming 500 mm as an average annual
rainfall, the total runoff on roads would be 420
×
×
10
6
×
0
.
5 = 210
×
10
6
cubic
