Catchments

Catchments

From Kompas

As a layman I do not know much about geology. But I need some explanations about catchment systems, which are often discussed in the media.

The problem of the development of such areas as North Bandung and Puncak never fails to attract the media. Is it true that the construction of buildings in the catchment locations are the main cause of floods that hit the lower areas? In Bandung and Malang, before the war they did not use much technology in town development, which if they had would have allowed rain water to be absorbed into the ground. Now the water flows directly to the lower areas and thus floods ensue. Our geologists are called on to give technical explanations as far as the need to preserve existing catchments is concerned.

Y.P. ARIANI

Bekasi, West Java