Kampar, Riau, (Antarariau.com) - A total of 1.5 million hectares of Riau s forests had been razed by fires used to clear land for creating plantation areas during the 1980-1990 period, according to District Head of Kampar Jefry Noer.
However, the forest fires had not produced haze as bad as what was happening now, Jefry noted here, Tuesday.
The ongoing wildfires, which are prone to producing haze, occur in peatland areas, he pointed out.
"Why are peatlands on fire?" he questioned, adding that weak regulation on peatland management was one of the reasons.
He emphasized that the government should revise the regulation that allows the clearing of peatland areas for developing industrial forests and palm oil plantations.
Environmental expert from the University of Riau Tengku Ariful Amri affirmed that the haze problem in the province had started in 1990.
The environmental disaster has forced schools to temporarily shut down, and offices as well as companies to shorten their working hours, he remarked.
The forest fires have also destroyed the biological diversity and natural resources.
"Many do not realize that the forest and plantation fire disaster, which occurs annually and causes haze problem, has harmed the nation s future," he added.
Fires Razed Riau s 1.5 Million Hectares Forets During 1980-1990: Official
