Sedimentation affects Jambi river<\/p>\n
Jon Afrizal, Jambi<\/p>\n
Excess sedimentation in the Batanghari River has increased at an
\nalarming pace due to illegal logging up river in Jambi's forests,
\naccording to a local environmentalist group.<\/p>\n
The sedimentation is worrying because it has made the river so
\nmuddy that the local community can no longer use the water for
\ndaily needs. The extreme amount of sediment has also disrupted
\nriver transportation, preventing large boats from sailing into
\nJambi port. The sedimentation in the river, the main river in
\nJambi province, has caused flooding in Jambi and its neighboring
\nprovinces.<\/p>\n
Mahendra Taher, a spokesperson for the Jambi branch of the
\nIndonesian Conservation Community, estimated on Friday that the
\namount of sedimentation in the 690-kilometer long river reached
\n5.9 million tons in 2001, almost twice the sedimentation of the
\nmeasured 1996 level, which reached 3.3 million tons.<\/p>\n
The sedimentation has made the river shallower, from between
\neight to 10 meters in depth a few years ago, to just six meters
\nnow.<\/p>\n
In some places, the river's width can reach between 300 to 500
\nmeters. "People can no longer use the river water for laundry,
\nfor example," said Mahendra.<\/p>\n
The sedimentation also prevents large cargo or passenger ships
\nfrom sailing into Jambi ports, thus disrupting the Jambi economy.<\/p>\n
According to Mahendra, the damage done to Batanghari River is
\nmainly attributed to the rapid pace of deforestation, including
\nin the upper reaches of the river.<\/p>\n
In 1990, forests in Jambi covered over 2.4 million hectares,
\nbut 10 years later, it shrank to 1.4 million hectares.<\/p>\n
The deforestation, which is caused by rampant illegal logging
\nand forest conversion into plantations, has led to the erosion of
\nthe river. The loose soil then drains into the river clogging it.<\/p>\n
In order to prevent further sedimentation, Mahendra and his
\ngroup have demanded that the government to capture and punish to
\nthe fullest extent of the law all illegal loggers, and the
\ngovernment must also embark on a serious reforestation program in
\nthe province.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/sedimentation-affects-jambi-river-1447893297",
"image": ""
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