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AUG 18, 2001 |
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New laws protect local trees Schemes to preserve roads and trees linked to nation's heritage will contribute to sense of local identity and continuity By Neo Hui Min LAWS are being drawn up to preserve Singapore's green ambience. Meanwhile, government agencies and developers have been asked to think of ways to work around mature trees, rather than through them, so that these can be preserved. No details are available on what the new rules will cover, but according to Mr Simon Longman, a director of parks management (North and East Division) at the National Parks Board (NParks), they will probably be worked out by the end of the year. 'The legislation is designed to allow NParks to access the trees along roads, to maintain them, to preserve them, and to prevent encroachment on them, especially on their root systems, ' he said. Once the laws are in place, agencies and developers will have to think twice before cutting down trees designated as Heritage Trees, and those lining roads deemed Heritage Roads. The two schemes to conserve old, scenic, tree-lined roads and beautiful, mature trees were announced yesterday by Minister for National Development, Mr Mah Bow Tan. He was speaking to reporters after the opening of the Hindhede Nature Park, next to the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Under these two schemes, 55 roads in Singapore have been designated as Heritage Roads, and at least 30 old trees have been identified so far as worthy of being preserved. Roads which fall into this category will not be widened or realigned, unless there are compelling reasons. The schemes were initiated by the Garden City Action Committee, which is made up of representatives from various government agencies. NParks has also set up a panel to select more Heritage Trees. Mount Pleasant Road, Upper Thomson Road and Loyang Avenue are among the tree-lined roads named as Heritage Roads. Examples of trees which are 80 to 100 years old include the Malayan terminalia along Turnhouse Road in Changi, and Liane Road in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, as well as the raintrees along Connaught Drive at the Padang. Mature roadside trees, noted Mr Mah, constitute the backbone of the Garden City. Many are the result of more than 35 years of care and growth, so 'if they are felled, these precious assets will be lost', he said. No such trees have been identified in private estates as yet. However, Mr Longman, who is also a member of the Heritage Tree Panel, said NParks will work closely with owners of private properties along Heritage Roads to encourage them to keep the trees. There is no timeframe as to how long the Heritage Roads and Heritage Trees will be preserved, but Mr Mah said: 'The hope is to maintain them for many generations.' CONSERVING ROADS & TREES Features of the Heritage Trees:
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