AN underground movement is gaining support in Singapore. No, the republic is not being overrun with political subversives - just too many people.
Government planners have been exploring means for more creative land use, having revised their long-term population projection from four million to more than five million.
Singapore is already building up into the air and out into the sea. Now it is looking underground.
The Defence Ministry, which uses 20 per cent of Singapore's 647 square km, will lead the way with three rock caverns to serve as ammunition depots.
Excavation of the caverns, 100 metres underground in a disused quarry in Mandai, should be completed by 2003.
The Defence Ministry hopes to free up 400 hectares, both through underground construction and building multi-storey facilities.
This is just the start.