Hong Kong fourth wave: surge in illegal dirt biking, hikers amid Covid-19 travel ban turns once-lush country park site into barren land
- Once covered with silver grass, the slopes of Kai Kung Leng in Lam Tsuen Country Park in the New Territories are now sandy and barren, with an increased risk of landslides
- NGO warns activities and wildfires could negate any reforestation efforts
The combined impact of illegal dirt bike riders and wildfires has led to the rapid destruction of a popular Hong Kong hiking spot, prompting a local green group to call for stricter enforcement and reforestation.
Once covered with silver grass, the slopes of Kai Kung Leng in Lam Tsuen Country Park in the New Territories are now sandy and barren, with dirt bike tires digging deep scars into the landscape and creating an increased risk of landslides.
“Hikers are typically able to take their face masks off in the countryside, but that isn’t possible here, as every footstep raises a sandy cloud,” said Vivien Cheng Yu-wai, director of community partnerships at NGO The Green Earth.
Although dirt biking has been an ongoing problem at Kai Kung Leng, travel bans since the coronavirus pandemic broke out last year have led to an increase in both bikers and hikers.
“They may not necessarily know it’s illegal, but we know they’re not registered, as they don’t have number plates,” Cheng said.
The NGO had spotted bikers almost every weekend since mid-November, she said, adding she had personally seen as many as 10 at the same time.