Siltation threatens Mrica reservoir

Siltation threatens Mrica reservoir

BANJARNEGARA, Central Java: Rapid sedimentation is threatening
to bury the multi-purpose Mrica reservoir unless the upstream
areas of Serayu and Mrawu rivers are reforested, an official has
warned.

An estimated 4.6 million cubic meters of mud settles every
year at the bottom of the reservoir, Munadjat, manager of the
Mrica hydropower plant, said over the weekend.

Operating since 1988, the reservoir is used to irrigate paddy
fields and generate power for Banjarnegara and nearby regencies.

The mud slides down mainly from the Dieng plateau and other
denuded areas upstream. There are fears that the sedimentation
will not only reduce the reservoir's capacity but also cause
flooding.

Unless the upstream areas are reforested, the reservoir's
effective lifespan will be only about 20 years of its expected 40
years, Munadjat said.

Aryadi Djaka Pradana, chief of the Banjarnegara environment
office, said Dieng plateau has 10,600 hectares of land prone to
erosion because only 19 are forested. (wah/03)