The proposal involves creating a 15-foot-long depression at every 500 metres of drain. A 6-foot high grating will also be put into place at these points. The width of these gratings will match the width of the drains.

“The horizontal grating will prevent the solid waste from flowing along with the drain water. The grating will be made up of three parts to facilitate cleaning,” said Simha. “The depression will help the silt settle at the bottom.

The grating and the depression will prevent plastic, paper, bottles and other waste from flowing with the drain water,” he added.

The system will have a provision for a 10-ft deep pit to facilitate collection of waste from the bed of the drain. “All the waste will flow into the pit with the water while silt will accumulate in the depression. BBMP employees can collect the solid waste from the pit and remove silt from the depression,” he said.

The 540-km long stormwater drains of the city need 2,160 gratings to prevent solid waste flowing with the water.

“The system prevents carcass of animals from flowing along. It will help the Fire and Emergency Services personnel to locate bodies of people who drown in the drains during monsoon,” said Simha, adding that it will also help keep the water in the open drains clean.

It is a first of its kind initiative in the country, Simha claimed, adding that he would patent the system. “I am yet to work out the cost. I am waiting for the formation of the new BBMP Council.

I want to give a powerpoint presentation to the corporators. If the BBMP approves my plan, it will be implemented on a pilot project basis in a few stormwater drains in Bangalore shortly,” he said hopefully.