Haze slows traffic in Central Kalimantan

Haze slows traffic in Central Kalimantan

PALANGKA RAYA, Central Kalimantan (Antara): Several parts of
Central Kalimantan have been covered with haze since the start of
the drought in early July.

The haze is posing an obstacle to traffic in towns as well as
the countryside.

A journalist traveling from Kuala Kapuas to Palangka Raya on
Sunday, reported that many stretches of the main highway between
the two towns were covered with haze, particularly between the
Kahayan Hilir subdistrict of Kapuas district and Palangka Raya.

The same condition was found on the trans-Kalimantan road
connecting Palangka Raya and Sampit in East Kotawaringin
district, one of the busiest highways in Central Kalimantan.

Officials have said the haze was caused by forest fires
started by locals clearing their land.

Experts said forest fires in areas where land comprising peat
posed a particular risk as sparks or burning cinders from such
fires could easily ignite the soil's peat layers, which have
become extremely dry during the hot season.

The haze has also begun to hinder road users in Palangka Raya.

Locals fear a recurrence of the haze problems that hit Central
Kalimantan a few years ago when there was a complete breakdown of
air and river transportation.

A community leader in Central Kalimantan, Curnain Lambung,
called on local administrations to inspect the areas where the
forest fires have begun as soon as possible and to take measures
to ensure that the fires do not spread.