Green groups disappointed over handling of Lung Mei beach project

Environmentalists-turned-politicians Wong Kam-sing and Christine Loh Kung-wai have disappointed green groups over their handling of the Lung Mei Beach project.

Wong, the newly appointed environment minister, and Loh, his deputy, appear to have lost the battle to save the ecologically sensitive coastline in Tai Po, which will soon be developed into an artificial beach.

Opponents of the plan were given false hope last week when Wong said the government would make an announcement about the beach. And Loh was quoted by lawmaker Chan Yuen-han as saying she hoped to be given more time to work on it.

The Environment Bureau in its role as a gatekeeper protecting natural landscapes from public project bulldozers was no match for the Home Affairs Bureau, which is in charge of the project.

This was despite escalating opposition from green groups and the general public. The beach as it is, is home to 200 marine species.

The government said the public should respect due process - the project had gained permission from the Environmental Protection Department and the Town Planning Board.

However, at Kai Tak, due process does not seem to be the guide for the government as it adds more flats to its housing development plans. Loh indicated yesterday that in the case of Lung Mei Beach, the orders came from the very top.