I am overwhelmed by the lightning speeds of progress in the name of development and urbanisation. The once lazy roads and undeveloped green spaces along the “outskirts” have since become abuzz with people commuting to the newly built residential estates. To their credit, developers are earnestly planting saplings on grass fringes to offset the larger patches of green they replaced with glittery skyscrapers or housing blocks. But will that be enough?
MacRitchie, and other reserves like it, represent the little pieces of primary forests that we still have left. They give us a chance for respite — to recharge, and to rejuvenate our body and spirit.
One might argue that the risk is low, as the Cross Island Line tunnelling under MacRitchie will not cause much harm or disturbance to the surface vegetation. This possibility however, assumes various conditions — no accidents, no human errors, no tunnelling blow-ups, no mistakes. But what if something does go awry? Or there is an unexpected or unpredicted consequence to the flora and fauna there? Can we afford it? Should we not protect our natural heritage as much as we protect our homeland? It is part of our home, part of our heritage, should it not be fiercely protected?
The tunnelling of the CRL under the park may seem trivial to some. It is however an important issue for all of us to consider, given the scarcity of natural spaces in Singapore.
We are a green city with many well-manicured gardens and parks, but will they be enough for future generations to rely on?
Jaclyn Yeo is one of many involved in the Future of MacRitchie Concert.
If you have memories of MacRitchie you’d like to share, do email thunder@storm.sg
The Future Of MacRitchie concert will take place on November 19.
Visit www.futureofmacritchie.storm.sg for more information about the venue, artists performing, and to register. There are also guided walks that can help you get intimate with MacRitchie.
