In Singapore, more than a thousand people protested against the development of forested areas
On August 16, more than a thousand people gathered at Hong Lim Park in Singapore to protest plans for residential development in the Majoo Forest and the Hillman Barracks area. Participants called for the protection of natural areas, more transparent decision-making on land use, and greater public involvement in the discussions.
The “Maju for the People” rally was organized by the civic group SG Climate Rally. According to an estimate by Channel NewsAsia based on aerial photographs, more than a thousand people took part in the event. The event lasted three hours and included writing postcards, speeches by environmental activists, and group singing.
On July 10, the Housing and Development Board of Singapore announced that the Sunset Way and Hillman Barracks areas are slated for residential development following the completion of environmental and cultural heritage studies. The initial plan called for the clearing of about 15 hectares of Majoo Forest and at least 10 hectares of forest within the Hillman Barracks area. This has raised concerns among residents and environmental groups over the potential loss of biodiversity and ecological connections between green spaces.
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Minister of State for National Development Alvin Tan stated that the projects will be adjusted to preserve more green spaces in both areas. According to him, this will mean reducing the number of planned homes, though authorities have not yet specified how much additional green space they plan to preserve. The initial plan called for preserving 40% of green spaces at Hillman Barracks and 35% at Majoo Forest, including forest streams and connections to nearby green spaces.
The authorities are continuing to gather feedback and plan to finalize their plans within the next month. The Housing Authority and the Ministry of National Development are set to publish a report outlining the proposals received and the responses from government agencies prior to the approval of detailed development plans. Following the rally, SG Climate Rally called for a suspension of the projects until the government provides more information about the housing need in these areas and possible alternative sites.
