Wednesday August 1, 2012

Be vigilant to protect the green oases in our urban landscape

The Star Says

THERE are good reasons why some of the most pristine nature getaways remain tightly-guarded secrets. True nature lovers do not need the trappings of modern conveniences to enjoy what Mother Nature has bequeathed to us.

Sadly, when such spots become known, there is a natural tendency for policy-makers to move in to transform them into tourist attractions. And developers, knowing that money does grow on trees if you chop them down, are more than happy to lend a hand.

Malaysia is indeed blessed that nature is not that far away for those of us who live in the concrete jungles and need to take a break now and then to rejuvenate mind, body and soul.

But on a daily basis, it is the tiny enclaves in our urban landscape that give us the opportunity to unwind to cope with the stress of modern living.

These are the places where we don't have to go far to take a walk, jog, cycle, watch the birds, enjoy fresh air and take in the tranquil scenery.

The early planners recognised that need to create space for healthy activity, recreation and relaxation. Public parks and botanical gardens such as the Taiping Lake Gardens, the Kuala Lumpur Lake Garden and the Penang Botanical Garden were the pioneers.

The newer parks that have been created, sometimes as part of new development projects, cannot compare to these mature parks. The absence of modern facilities is a plus, not a minus, at such green oases.

Which is why we should rejoice that the people of Taiping have scored a decisive victory in getting the Taiping Municipal Council to call off its plan to turn the area into a tourist centre complete with food and souvenir kiosks.

Council president Shahrom Datuk Abdul Malek said the local authority would instead suggest two alternative sites to the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority.

For now, the iconic century-old raintrees along the Jalan Pekeliling stretch have survived the storm of uncertainty raging over their future.

Although it has been explained that the raintrees were not in danger of being cut down, the project's proximity to the trees would have been too close for comfort.

Planners must understand that urban parks, like nature reserves, must have adequate buffer zones to give them ample protection. Building right up to its designated borders can be just as intrusive as building within.

Which is why the groups who have passionately fought this battle must remain vigilant to any development in the vicinity.

Many of the urban parks in our country are sitting on prime real estate. Bukit Kiara, where a stop-work order to halt all construction work has been issued although 80% of fencing has been completed and much damage has been done, is an example.

We must always be mindful that there are people who see green in a different context. We can expect more proposals of this nature to come up now and then. The people must therefore be vigilant and continue to crusade for their right to have open space for healthy activity, recreation and relaxation.

And we should not only be protecting existing parks but we should also insist that new ones be created and gazetted. Urban parks are indeed the necessary panacea for a healthy and balanced quality of life.

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