Don't remove Punggol forested knoll

Straits Times Forum 15 Feb 13;

THE article ("Save our knoll, urges Punggol residents' group"; Feb 5) reported on a plea from Punggol residents to save a forested hill fringing their estate.

The elevation of the knoll straddling the Punggol Waterway provides visitors to the waterway with a good view of the waterway.

The proposed road through the knoll will harm the last natural feature left around the waterway.

The knoll has been left untouched and is the last vestige of the old forests and remaining hillock in Punggol. It should be preserved.

Visitors to the waterway have come to associate it with the forested knoll as its backdrop. It would be a nasty shock if this beautiful natural backdrop is removed.

The proposed road is not necessary as the future network of roads, MRT line and Punggol LRT west loop would be adequate for transport connectivity.

I hope the Urban Redevelopment Authority, HDB, Land Transport Authority and National Parks Board will preserve the knoll for natural heritage and retain its scenic view of the waterway, now a national iconic asset.

Tan See Ting