Oral Answer by Ministry of National Development on environmental impact assessments in relation to the development of Tengah
Apr 4, 2017
Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang: To ask the Minister for National Development
(a) whether the Ministry can make public the results of all environmental impact assessments or studies done in relation to the development of Tengah; and
(b) what are the plans for existing wildlife living in that area.
Answer
Tengah is slated for new town development. As part of responsible development, HDB is conducting an environmental baseline study so as to better understand the existing topography, hydrology, flora and existing wildlife in the area. We will share the key findings of the study with the public in due course.
One key feature which HDB has planned is the Forest Corridor, which is approximately 100 metres wide and 5 kilometres long and will serve as a wildlife connector between the Western Water Catchment Area and the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. The plan is also to replace the concrete canal with a natural stream and water body. NParks will separately study how to retain the existing greenery within the forest corridor as well as to enhance it by introducing more native forest species. Over time, this Forest Corridor is envisioned to be a large habitat supporting a rich biodiversity. HDB will put in place wildlife management strategies, which will include shepherding wildlife to the adjacent forest areas that will not be developed in the short term. This is to minimise potential impact to wildlife within the development sites when works are in progress.