Punggol

My first encounter with an environmental problem took place when I was 18 years old. It was also my first foray at speaking out for the environmental cause. That year, 1996, work began in Punggol, my hometown, to develop the last few remaining rural corners of Singapore into a residential estate. Up unto then, I knew nothing of environmental conservation or nature protection.

Disturbed and distraught by the scale of land clearances that stripped bare huge tracts of countryside land, I was compelled to express my anger - in writing. Only after I had written to The Straits Times for the third time did the newspaper published my letter on its Forum page on 24th Jan 1996. I produce a scan of the published letter below.

Today, in the same house that I stayed 6 years ago, I am surrounded by blocks and blocks of high-rise flats. A new expressway cuts through to the north, separating me from the coast, which is a jog away. Gone are the pigs, chickens, stray dogs and cats, the raw odour of animal slurries, villagers, tree covered narrow roads, bush shrouded footpaths, fresh air, and ambience. 6 years are all that is required to convert a place - urban development is rapid and knows no obstacles.