The clearing of land causes haze

PADANG, W. Sumatra: The practice of burning waste after clearing land for new plantations has contributed to the haze that has been clouding parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan, an official from the ministry of forestry said yesterday.

Director General of Forestry Titus Saridjanto said haze and smoke from forest fires would likely remain for the next three to four months, Antara reported.

Burning peat land has also contributed to the haze in Central Kalimantan, he said, adding that this was even more difficult to put out than ordinary forest fires.

Haze has disrupted air traffic in some parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan in the past week.

Titus called on the regional authorities to step up patrols to monitor activities in the forests, especially during the current dry season, to protect unaffected areas. (09)