KOTABARU, South Kalimantan: Protected forest area in the North Pulau Laut, Kotabaru District, in which there is source of raw water Gunung Ulin Reservoir is currently in poor condition because it encroached upon by citizens, Antaranews reported.
“A number of trees cut down and some of the land around the forest was also cleaned in preparation for planting crops,” said Director of the Regional Water Company (PDAM) Kotabaru Nor Ipansyah here on Saturday.
If the condition neglected it feared would disrupt the source of raw water reservoir which has been the mainstay of the availability of clean water for the community of Kotabaru, particularly in urban areas.
He hopes, law enforcement and local government to take immediate concrete steps to prevent encroachment wider and discipline, so that the protected forest area protected from encroachment.
According to Ipansyah, the damage to protected forest areas and some land of source of raw water reservoir area occurred in Gunung Sari and Gunung Ulin.
Day to day the debit of water in the reservoir Gunung Ulin reduced an average of 20 centimeters. If there are no rains, it predicted to dry in two weeks ahead.
“Because of the current water remains only about four meters, while every day it shrinkages up to 20 centimeters,” he explained.