http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_825042.html
Published on Jul 23, 2012
IN THE heartland area between Bukit Batok Road and the Kranji
Expressway, opposite Bukit Batok West avenues 2 and 7, a large portion
of the land belonging to the military has been slated for development by
the Urban Redevelopment Authority master plan ('Preserving Singapore's
green heartland'; July 14).
Already, the area opposite
Brickland Road along the canal - the former Keat Hong camp - has been
flattened for Tengah Build-to-Order flats.
Also, the woodland area opposite Teck Whye
Avenue and the HDB estate has suffered a loss of greenery because of the
construction of the Hillvista condominium.
I moved into the neighbouring estate 12 years ago for the greenery, which has been reduced over the years.
I have kept my eyes open for butterflies all
these years and have noticed the disappearance of particular species
around the area. What used to be common has become rather uncommon, and
the rare ones are probably extinct in the area, such as the Jungle Glory
butterfly, Thaumantis noreddin, which is now considered extinct on the
main island.
I am speaking only of the butterflies, but
this is indicative of the adverse impact of the clearance of woodlands
on the biodiversity of the area.
Will the authorities consider the biodiversity
involved, given that the area slated for development is a rather large
piece of land? Clearing it could affect weather patterns in the west
area (known for more rainfall), and give rise to flooding. And what
about the birds, butterflies and other wildlife inhabiting or visiting
the area en route perhaps to green areas elsewhere?
Steven Chong
