"There will be 200 artesian wells. We are focusing on areas that could affect the Asian Games. Based on analysis, we have started to build (artesian wells) in six villages in OKI (Ogan Komering Ilir), which could spread the haze to Jakabaring," BRG`s Deputy of Construction, Operation and Maintenance Alue Dohong said here on Wednesday.
The agency has started drilling the artesian wells in three villages with aquifer level between 20 and 30 meters, namely Bakung, Kuro and Betung Island Villages, since three days ago.
In three other villages with aquifer level between 80 and 100 meters, the agency would have to wait for the appropriate design prepared by the Geological Agency of the Energy and Mineral Resource Ministry.
"BRG has worked closely with the Geological Agency to design artesian wells in areas with deep aquifer level, where conventional method cannot be used," he added.
Dohong remarked that the development of artesian wells in the six villages has been included in BRG`s working plan for 2018. Each village could have up to 50 artesian wells, and the agency would speed up its construction to anticipate land and forest fires during the Asian Games.
"Based on the information, the area is prone to land and forest fires. Therefore, we need to anticipate this," he added.
In addition to the artesian wells in OKI, BRG has also been tasked to build 120 artesian wells in fire-prone conservation area.
BRG would work in coordination with the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and South Sumatra`s environment office to block 18 canals in Padang Sugihan wildlife reserve.
Previously, the BRG and local BKSDA had closed 10 canals in the wildlife reserve and replanted 50 hectares of land.
Reporting by Virna P. Setyorini
Editing by Sri Haryati, Eliswan Azli
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
