Procedures for Maintenance Works In and Around Nature Reserves, and Penalties for Unauthorised Clearance of Green Spaces
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns ecological restoration management and unauthorized greenery clearance, as raised by Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin and Mr Yip Hon Weng. Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin inquired about restoration inventories and maintenance reviews, while Mr Yip Hon Weng asked about construction site monitoring and contractor deterrence. Senior Minister of State for Transport and Foreign Affairs Chee Hong Tat replied that NParks maintains planting records and requires prior approval for works under the Parks and Trees Act. He noted that NParks conducts site inspections and that unauthorized clearance in nature reserves can result in fines up to $50,000 and six months’ imprisonment. The Senior Minister of State affirmed that NParks regularly reviews its processes and staging area allocations to ensure the robust safeguarding of green spaces.
Transcript
63 Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether NParks maintains an inventory of ecological restoration sites and trees planted under the Forest Restoration Action Plan and OneMillionTrees movement within and around nature reserves; and (b) whether the Government will review procedures governing maintenance works in these areas, including approvals, supervision and ecological risk assessments.
64 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for National Development (a) how frequently are green spaces near construction sites monitored to prevent unauthorised clearance; (b) what penalties are imposed on errant contractors and whether these are sufficient to deter similar future incidents; and (c) how does the Ministry ensure that adequate staging and storage areas are allocated to prevent encroachment into nature reserves.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: The National Parks Board (NParks) stewards the trees and planting sites established under the OneMillionTrees (OMT) movement and Forest Restoration Action Plan (FRAP). NParks maintains records of the planting sites under both programmes, with post-planting maintenance regimes in place to support tree establishment and survival.
Trees planted on NParks-managed green spaces, including planting sites under OMT and FRAP, are protected under the Parks and Trees Act. Under the Act, any works affecting trees and vegetation in national parks, nature reserves, public parks, as well as mature trees in tree conservation areas and on vacant lands, must first be approved by NParks. Contractors must obtain NParks' approval before proceeding with site works and must comply with NParks' stipulated conditions, such as to minimise ecological impact.
NParks conducts inspections on work sites in NParks-managed green spaces to ensure contractors comply with NParks' protocols and that the works remain within designated areas. Unauthorised clearance of land in NParks-managed green spaces without the approval of the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation constitutes an offence under the Parks and Trees Act. For example, convicted parties may be fined up to $50,000, face imprisonment of up to six months, or both, for unauthorised clearance of greenery within nature reserves.
NParks regularly reviews its processes to ensure they are relevant and robust in safeguarding our green spaces.