Schoolkids’ smart solutions to pothole problem

Young guns

Jagadish Basappa of Narayanpet in Telangana exhibits a portable solar water harvesting panel. 

Students look at models displayed in the science fair.

Two schoolgirls have created a smart water soaking road model which the governments, especially civic administrations should see.

This previous concrete (thirsty) model road is displayed at the Southern India Science Fair held at St Joseph’s Indian High School. It is one of many science experiments showcased by class 9 and 10 students.

The road is made with granite chips and cement. Though cement is used, it is not a concrete road and is cheaper than the existing concrete roads. The road ensures zero flooding and maintenance.

Manasa H and Jahnavi G, class 9 students from Montessori High School in Karnool, Andhra Pradesh, have designed the model.

“We see potholes on the roads everywhere. With every rain, roads get damaged leading to accidents. So we created thirsty roads,” said Manasa.

She said a mix of granite chips and cement makes the roads highly porous and soak in all rainwater. This way the groundwater level will also be well maintained.

“The ingredients are mixed in a particular ratio to ensure longevity. One block costs less than Rs 500. The similar experimental roads in a gated community in New Delhi and in other countries and have proved successful,” Manasa said.

Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum and Department of Public Instructions have organised the five-day long fair.

School students from Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are participating. The theme for the 32nd edition of the exhibition is Science and Today.

Another noteworthy experiment at the fair is a portable solar water harvesting panel. Jagadish Basappa (15) of Narayanpet in Telangana has designed this. He explained his model by wearing the solar panel on his head and carrying a hand shower.

“I got this idea when there was no electricity in my village, and there was no fuel to bring water carriers to the fields. My father and I made holes in the bucket to water the fields. So I designed this portable solar water harvesting panel," he boasted.