The LTA has released its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report on two possible alignments for the Cross Island Line (CRL). Alignment 1 will see two worksites just outside the CCNR and a 2 km tunnel under the CCNR. Alignment 2 will see 3 worksites on the fringes of the CCNR and a 4 km tunnel skirting the CCNR. Both alignments are expected to have significant impact on the flora and fauna within the CCNR. The impact on the stream system within Windsor Nature Park is assessed to be Critical.

The CCNR is the largest remaining contiguous patch of forest in Singapore and is home to several rare species such as the Sunda pangolin, straw headed bulbul and greater slow loris, which are listed as vulnerable or endangered in the entire world. Singapore only has less than 1% of its original forest cover left. And, with the emergency of climate change hanging over our heads, we need to preserve whatever is left as forests are the best carbon sinks known to us. Destroying mature forests, and therefore also their existing biodiversity, and then replanting trees to try and regenerate forests, is a colossal waste.

It is true that several birds, animals and plants have made a comeback in Singapore after their habitat was destroyed. But, many have not and will never come back.

We should not let the resurgence of some species mislead us to ignore the loss of many others.

On this walk, come see for yourself the rich variety of flora and fauna found in this part of the Central Catchment Nature Area and understand why protecting the CCNR is so important for Singapore.