Bengaluru witnessed an unusual phenomenon on Saturday as thick, snow-like white foam covered its streets following heavy rainfall. The sight, captured in the NIMHANS Dairy Circle area, left residents puzzled and intrigued.
Viral Video Sparks Online Buzz
An Instagram user named Milan shared a video of the foamy streets, captioning it, “Does anyone know what’s happening? Bangalore’s streets turned into a foam party after an unexpected summer rain!” The video quickly gained traction online, with many speculating about the cause of the mysterious white substance.
In the clip, the roads appear blanketed in foam, while water accumulates on the sides. Trees lining the streets create an arch, and as vehicles pass through, their tires leave trails in the froth—giving an illusion of snowfall in the city.
Possible Causes Behind the Foam
Social media users weighed in on the bizarre occurrence, with some pointing to the soapnut tree (Shikakai) as the culprit. A user explained, “It’s due to the soapnut tree. During the first rains, these flowers create a foam-like substance when they mix with water. Risky for two-wheelers to ride as it’s slippery, but always fun to see!”
Another commented, “Soapnuts contain natural surfactants. When raindrops hit them, combined with vehicular movement, they create foam. These nuts are commonly used in shampoos and herbal powders.”
While some offered scientific explanations, others responded with humor. A user joked, “Someone dropped Surf Excel while driving back home,” while another quipped, “Looks like a new Manali-Bangalore Yojana scheme for artificial snow!”
Not the First Time for Bengaluru
This is not Bengaluru’s first encounter with foam after rainfall. The city has previously made headlines for similar incidents, most notably at Bellandur Lake, where toxic froth has been linked to detergents and untreated sewage. Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have found that pollutants in the lake contribute to foam formation, especially after heavy rains.
While this latest foaming event may have a more natural explanation, it highlights the ongoing discussions about Bengaluru’s environmental challenges. Authorities are yet to comment on whether further investigations will be conducted.
Conclusion
As Bengaluru continues to experience unexpected phenomena, social media remains abuzz with curiosity and speculation. Whether caused by nature or urban pollutants, the sight of foam-covered streets remains a unique spectacle in the city’s rainy season.
Sources By Agencies
