Punggol: Preserve natural features of areas to be developed

Letter from Tan Jiaqi, Straits Times Forum 23 Nov 07

I REFER to the article, 'Walk along coast, golf in Punggol' (ST, Nov 19).

I would like to urge the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) to take the utmost care to preserve the unique, natural features of areas such as Punggol, for which redevelopment plans have been announced recently.

Developing and increasing the recreational amenities in various parts of the island would better serve the needs of our growing population, and I fully support the development of these recreational areas, such as Punggol Beach.

However, Punggol Point is a tranquil and picturesque spot, with the rock formations off the beach being the subject of many a beautiful photograph that elicited the response, 'Wow, where was that taken? Surely not in Singapore?'

I urge the URA to preserve this unique geographical feature of Punggol Beach when drawing up and carrying out its development plans.

While the smooth, round rocks along the beach may not be as grand, or of as epic proportions as famous wonders such as the Grand Canyon in the United States or Guilin in China, they are still a part of our natural heritage.

At the same time, the attention garnered by the URA's redevelopment plans could be used to turn the spotlight on the natural beauty of lesser-known spots, such as the rock formations along Punggol Beach and the beach front along Labrador Park, or the reservoir parks.

This would attract more visitors to these areas and boost businesses there, and even create new tourist activities.

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