Preserve coastlines

By reducing the area of the Southeast Kowloon Reclamation and introducing the concept of a vehicle-free zone, the Government is taking a great step forward in environmental protection.

However, it is necessary to appreciate that along with preservation of the harbour must go preservation of natural coastline, which has positive landscape and heritage values not replaceable by artificial promenades.

In recent years, parts of our natural coastline have been destroyed on a massive scale, to the extent that it has been almost wiped out in the urban areas of Hong Kong.

The construction of new highways along the shorelines of Pokfulam, Lei Yue Mun and other areas, will further eliminate many kilometres of of what is left of our scenic coastline.

I was astonished to learn that the reclamation of Tseung Kwan O has actually been linked to the charming island of Tit Cham Chau, which is part of the Clear Water Bay Country Park.

I was shocked again when I discovered that it was being proposed that an incinerator be built on the reclamation site.

According to press reports, the Agriculture and Fisheries Department is indifferent to the encroachments on this country park.