Adianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Thu, 11/12/2009 8:47 PM
Most small lakes, situ, are in a critical condition due to high sedimentation rates, putting thousands of people at risk of a “flash floods”, like the one that occurred at Situ Gintung last March.
A study by State Environment Ministry found that 15 small lakes in Jakarta, West Java and Banten will overflow if no action is taken to repair infrastructure. Rain is forecast for next week.
“Situ Ciledug and Situ Parigi in Tangerang and Situ Depok are considered the most susceptible to overflow,” Antung Deddy, deputy assistant minister for river and lake management, said Thursday.
He said thousands of people living near the three lakes were at risk.
Lakes serve as catchments during the rainy season, preventing flooding. They act as reservoirs during the dry season. However, many small lakes have been converted into residential or business estates.
“The main problem is the absence of a body to manage the lakes,” Antung said.
When the Situ Gintung embankment collapsed, a million cubic meters of water flooded the area, killing 100 people and destroying more than 300 houses.
0 comments:
Post a Comment