[Unpad Media Channel] Universitas Padjadjaran collaborated with the Bandung Regency regional government and PT. Tirta Fresindo Jaya to build pools and infiltration galleries at Kehati Nagrog Park, a biodiversity park located in Nagrog, Cicalengka, Bandung Regency.
The development of the pools and galleries was done in huge part by the Environmental Geology and Hydrogeology lab based in Unpad, Faculty of Geological Engineering (FTG). They were designed to act as a water conservation site in the region.
The Head of the aforementioned lab, Yudi Listiawan, M.T., recounted that the lab had researched the hydrogeological specifications of the project for two years. Their research included the characteristics of the groundwater, underground rock structure, the electric tools involved, and isotope analysis.
“Coincidentally, Kehati Nagrog Park was listed as a water recharge area according to our research,” explained Listiawan during the official opening of the Kehati Nagrog pools and infiltration galleries on Thursday, June 20.
Based on the research, Unpad FTG advised PT. Tirta Fresindo, who manages Kehati Nagrog Park, to design a masterplan for constructing pools and infiltration galleries. Aside from being a site for water conservation, the pools and galleries would also reduce surface runoff on plots of valuable land.
Listiawan added that the water which flows into the pool and galleries come from an unused natural water source. The water from the source will travel for 1.3 Kilometers through pipes. The water which gathers in the pool could also be utilized to farm fish.
“Afterwards, the runoff from the pool will flow into the three infiltration galleries situated downstream,” added Listiawati.
The event was attended by the Regent of Bandung, Dadang Supriatna, and Unpad’s Director of Innovation and Corporate, Prof. Dr. Tomy Perdana. Besides opening the site, the event also saw the planting of several tree saplings and juvenile fishes into their respective farming habitats.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Perdana said that the construction of the pools and galleries were developed by Unpad, alongside the regional government and industry representatives, as an effort in combating the global challenge that is climate change.
“One effect from climate change is the fluctuation of the earth’s temperature, which will undoubtedly affect other things,” explained Prof. Perdana.
The development of the water conservation infrastructures is expected to be beneficial, not only currently but also for future generations. “We are preparing an environment fit for future generations, so that our grandchildren may benefit from better water availability and environments as a whole,” he added.
The Regent of Bandung, Dadang Supriatna, also voiced his appreciation for the collaboration built between the parties involved. “The collaboration can surely be maintained and built upon,” Supriatna said. (ICP)*
