Danny Gittings' comments in his 'Inside Track' column on the Lok Ma Chau spur line (Sunday Morning Post, November 26), made for interesting and thought-provoking reading.
He says, quite rightly, that the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is doing its job, but suggests that a more sensitive approach may be advisable in future when saying no to major projects. That is all very well, but when those wanting to bulldoze things through regardless have the sort of sensitivity displayed by the KCR Corporation the EPD does not have much choice. Both of the projects concerned (Mr Gittings also referred to the North-South link road in Lantau) have alternatives and it is noticeable that the road project supporters are prepared to go back and re-consider these, while the KCRC simply says there is no alternative.
The latter is arrogant nonsense that shows total insensitivity and is an insult to the intelligence of the Hong Kong public. For example, the alternative to build a line from Kam Tin to Lok Ma Chau is supported by the Railway Development Study and is clearly a suitable, and arguably better, solution. There are also strong technical arguments in favour of this, which the KCRC is quick to discredit, as in previous letters, so perhaps the time is opportune to remind those who will study the KCRC appeal that there is another option.
It would be a severe setback for the environment if the EPD were to be overruled on this issue, especially in view of the strong public support for its decision. The recent influx of spoonbills is a timely reminder of what is at stake.
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