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Kolette Lim

Thousands of people have rallied in Singapore against plans to build homes on two forested sites in a large public display of concern over how the land-scarce city state should balance housing demand with conservation.
The projects have brought renewed urgency to a long-running debate over land use: activists say remaining mature forests should be protected, while the government says conserving more greenery would mean fewer homes for Singaporeans.
Residents, nature lovers and conservation advocates gathered at Hong Lim Park on Sunday to protest against redevelopment plans affecting Maju Forest near Clementi’s Sunset Way and the greenery around Gillman Barracks.
Many of the rally’s participants were dressed in red and green, with some handing out fliers showing mock-ups of barren plots at the earmarked sites to showcase the outcome should the projects be implemented without sufficient protection of the green spaces.
They chanted: “Hands off, hands off Gillman! Hands off, hands off Maju!”
Singapore’s Housing Development Board (HDB) announced last month that it planned to build homes at Clementi’s Sunset Way and Gillman Barracks, which would see the clearance of some 15 of 23 hectares (56.8 acres) of Maju forest and at least 10 hectares of the forest near Gillman.

HDB has said it considered environmental and heritage studies and will consider public feedback gathered from July 10 to August 6 for further refinement of its plans. Officials have said the plans are not final, with adjustments to be made after public feedback and suggestions.
SG Climate Rally, the organiser of the Sunday event, estimates there were more than 2,000 attendees.
Julie Tang, a climate organiser at the advocacy group, said the rally was organised to show that public sentiment was reaching a “tipping point”.
“Usually when there’s a large turnout at the rally, it means that public sentiment is really strong and we’re still deeply unsatisfied with the state of how decisions are being made,” she said. “We see a rally as a tool to push the issue in a stronger and more visible way.”
Organising the rally was a frenzied process, said Tang, as the group feared that discourse would fizzle if it was held too late. They had less than a month to apply for a permit, organise a line-up of speakers, performances and booths, and publicise the event.
The rally urged actions which nature groups and activists have been calling for since HDB’s announcement: the protection of nature and greater residential involvement and transparency during the planning process of redevelopment plans.
Carrying a placard and decked in khaki, Yap Zi Jing said she was taking part to fight for a better environment for future generations.

“These places are where our kids build a connection with the trees, ants, butterflies and frogs,” said the 38-year-old outdoor education coach. “We’ve all experienced it ourselves and we want our kids to continue experiencing that, and that’s really why we’re fighting so hard.”
She added: “We’re not saying that development is bad, we’re saying that it can be done with a better plan.”
Diana Mikazuki, 33, said news of the redevelopment projects left her devastated. “It feels like we don’t have any proper forests to regulate our temperature, and I had to come to show support. I think we’re moving too fast, and nature is taking the brunt of it,” the barista said.
“The optimist in me hopes the government listens to us and considers growing the environment alongside our population.”
On Friday, Minister of State for National Development Alvin Tan said adjustments would be made to the redevelopment plans to preserve more greenery, following public feedback and suggestions.
The current plan called for 40 per cent of green spaces at the Gillman site and 35 per cent of forested area at Maju Forest to be retained, Tan said.
“We will work out exactly how much more, but we will have to accept that this means we can build fewer homes on both sides for fellow Singaporeans,” he said, adding that the government aimed to finalise plans within the month.
Kareen Looi, who lives near Gillman Forest in the Telok Blangah estate, said Tan’s statement was “general”, lacking details and failing to address transparency concerns.

“Parks are not substitutes for mature forests like Gillman and Dover forests,” she said. “The public is still left in the dark about what is going to be the result of any of these new plans which are ongoing.”
This Week in Asia has contacted the Ministry of National Development for comment.
While the ambiguity of Tan’s announcement left her sceptical, Tang said she remained optimistic. The activist outlined the rally’s demands: the complete preservation of both forests and consideration of sites such as golf courses and industrial areas for public housing projects instead.
“The real action comes after the rally, when people here continue to organise events outside and refine the action we’re taking to make sure our voices and demands can’t be ignored.”


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Singaporeans urge forest protection at rally as housing plans spur concerns

The Singapore government has said conserving more greenery would mean fewer homes for residents. Photo: Kolette Lim

Yap Zi Jing, an outdoor education coach, is one of the attendees of a green rally at Hong Lim Park on Sunday. Photo: Kolette Lim

Kareen Looi, a resident who lives near Gillman Forest, says the public is still unsure about the housing plans for the area. Photo: Kolette Lim

Attendees at a green rally at Hong Lim Park on Sunday protest against redevelopment plans affecting Maju Forest and the greenery around Gillman Barracks. Photo: Kolette Lim

More than 2,000 people attended the green rally at Hong Lim Park on Sunday, its organisers say. Photo: Kolette Lim

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A view of Singapore’s Maju forest from Sunset Way resident Jo Teoh’s window. Photo: Jo Teoh

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 Outdoor lover Derrick Lo at Maju forest in Singapore. Photo: Hiking Elite

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Activists and residents ask authorities to protect Maju Forest and greenery near Gillman Barracks and consider other sites for development


Activists and residents ask authorities to protect Maju Forest and greenery near Gillman Barracks and consider other sites for development.


Environment

Singaporeans urge forest protection at rally as housing plans spur concerns

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Activists and residents ask authorities to protect Maju Forest and greenery near Gillman Barracks and consider other sites for development

Activists and residents ask authorities to protect Maju Forest and greenery near Gillman Barracks and consider other sites for development