Agus Maryono, Purwokerto – Two-thirds of the natural springs in Banyumas regency, Central Java, have dried up due to conversion of catchment areas into human settlements, says a forestry official.
These springs are the main source of water for residents in the regency.
"Based on our survey in 2001, there were still around 3,000 springs, but they dropped to 1,013 in 2007," Wisnu Herwianto, head of the Banyumas Forestry Office, told the media recently.
According to Wisnu, residents' wells and farmland are parched due to these conditions. "This is a matter for concern because it will require dozens of years and excessive land acquisition to restore the drying springs," said Wisnu.
He said a survey conducted by officers at the local agricultural and forestry office indicated there were 3,002 springs in 2001. The office recorded 545 springs had dried up by 2004 and only 1,013 springs were still running in 2007.
According to Wisnu, most of the springs are located on the slopes of Mount Slamet, in Cilongok, Kedungbanteng and Baturaden districts.
"As many as 800 are located along Mount Slamet's slopes, but only 55 are currently active. They are the main water source for households not connected to the state-owned tap water company," said Wisnu.
He added that the main cause of drought was conversion of catchment areas to make way for human settlements. "Excessive housing construction and logging have led to environmental destruction," said Wisnu.
He said forests that had once functioned as a barrier to prevent runoff had been converted into concrete buildings. This damages the soil's ability to absorb rainfall, which then flows directly into rivers.
Wisnu said restoring the springs would be a very challenging mission, due to many factors, For example a minimum plot of 10-hectares needs to be set aside, then each hectare needs replanting with 500 hardwood trees.
"It's not easy to find a 10-hectare idle plot of land due to rapid population growth and urban development, the main setbacks," he said.
Residents are starting to face water shortages due to the springs diminished by this year's drought. Meanwhile most village wells have dried up and residents face an impending water crisis.