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