NO: Nature Society thinks it will cause greater damage to nature reserve
Lim Wei Chean, Straits Times 22 Nov 07
MANY development in the Mandai area will cause only greater degradation to the nature reserve, said Dr Ho Hua Chew, chairman of the Nature Society's conservation sub-committee.
The 30ha plot proposed for development into a new nature-themed attraction, although not nature reserve land, is next to it.
In fact, Dr Ho said the land is a very important buffer zone between the nature reserve and surrounding attractions like the Singapore Zoo, the Night Safari and Mandai Orchid Garden.
That area of the nature reserve is in a very bad state as it is: not enough trees for animals to find cover and a big road cutting through the reserve.
So, instead of having new tourist attractions there, the Government should be spending money to rehabilitate it. Replant trees and build more connectors, Dr Ho said.
The Nature Society is putting together a detailed report containing its concerns to the authorities.
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