Last year, the government launched a 5-month public engagement (“The Big Debate on Land Supply”). Development along the periphery of Country Parks, including Tai Lam County Park as a pilot area, was listed as one of the land supply options. Fortunately, passionate citizens and green groups spoke up for valuable natural environment and thereby successfully safeguarded the Country Parks.
In August however, The Conservancy Association (CA) received a citizen’s report on environmental vandalism at areas near Tai Lam Tunnel Bus Interchange and the Tai Lam Chung Country Trail. A site inspection was conducted and the discovery of approximately one hectare of land area was cleared. The damaged area, which is located in proximity to Tai Lam Country Park, was part of the development area proposed by the government at that time. Most of the areas fall within the “Agriculture” zone with the remaining classified as “Conservation Area” under the Approved Kam Tin South Outline Zoning Plan, including both private and government lands. CA has already reported the case to the government and urged relevant departments to conduct further investigations.
The Planning Department replied that vegetation clearance in “Agriculture” zone and “Conservation Area” does not constitute unauthorized development. However, they would continue to monitor and collect evidence for inspection if there is any violation of Town Planning Ordinance. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department replied that they would only investigate unauthorized vegetation clearance on government lands. A section of Tai Lam Chung Country Trail would be temporarily diverted.
Illegal dumping had been spotted in the area as early as 10 years ago. The area has been under development pressure, threatened by suspected “destroy first, build later” activities. CA will continue to follow the issue while urging the government to take corresponding enforcement actions to protect valuable natural assets.
