Lakes in critical condition

Lakes in critical condition

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Three major lakes in the
hinterland of Kutai are now in critical condition due to erosion
along their beaches, Antara reported yesterday.

Head of the province's environmental bureau H. Mulyadi said
the condition of the 15,000 hectare Jempang Lake, the 13,000
hectare Semayang Lake, and 11,000 hectare Malintang Lake is
alarming. The three lakes, which have become shallower over the
past several years, are the habitat of the pesut, a water mammal
facing extinction for which the province is famous.

"There haven't been any studies on why the lakes have become
so shallow...some people say it's because water catchment spots
in the area have been destroyed, others say it's mud sediment
silting up the lakes," Mulyadi said.

He called on official agencies and universities to conduct
studies on the lakes. "The provincial administration wouldn't be
able to do it alone, because it has only limited funds," he said.
(swe)