A green corridor down memory lane

Today, Tuesday 17, May 2011, Page 14, Voices
From http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/CMSFileserver/documents/006/PDF/20110517/1705VOC014.pdf
Source Website: http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC110517-0000221/A-green-corridor-down-memory-lane
Letter from Lee Seow Ser, 04:46 AM May 17, 2011, voices@mediacorp.com.sg

PHOTO: Bukit Timah Railway - The Green Corridor - A Proposal to Keep the Railway Lands as a Continuous Green Corridor

Green Corridor Picture - 2.jpg
http://www.thegreencorridor.org/




PHOTO: The tracks along Bukit Timah Railway Station (BTRS)
Photo by ERNEST CHUA, Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
Today, Tuesday 17, May 2011, Page 14, Voices
Weekend Today, April 9 - 10, 2011, Singapore


Preserve heritage and nature by turning railway lands into eco-tourism spot

On a recent Saturday, a handful of enthusiastic nature and heritage lovers like myself participated in a guided walk along the tracks of the rustic Bukit Timah Railway Station. This was followed by an insightful sharing session - "The Green Corridor" forum - organised by the National Library Board and Nature Society of Singapore (NSS).

PHOTO: Bukit Timah Railway Station (BTRS)
Photo by ERNEST CHUA, Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
Weekend Today, April 9 - 10, 2011, Singapore
Today, Tuesday 17, May 2011, Page 14, Voices

In a proposal titled "The Green Corridor - A Proposal to Keep the Railway Lands as a Continuous Green Corridor" submitted by NSS last year to the authorities, representations were made to preserve the railway lands which brim with historical value and biodiversity in flora and fauna, after the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station ceases to operate on July 1.

PHOTO: Bukit Timah Railway Station (BTRS)
Photo by ERNEST CHUA, Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
Weekend Today, April 9 - 10, 2011, Singapore
Today, Tuesday 17, May 2011, Page 14, Voices

In land-scarce Singapore, there is perennial pressure for commercial development to unlock the economic value of land parcels. Many people, myself included, yearn not for yet another mall tenanted to franchise outlets but a link to roots, authenticity and space.

PHOTO: Bukit Timah Railway
Green Corridor Picture - 1.jpg
http://www.thegreencorridor.org/

With creative and sensible urban planning, the two goals are not necessarily mutually exclusive. In fact, a balanced co-existence is feasible and may even generate eco-tourism, enhancing Singapore's standing as a model urban garden city. For example, there could be funicular rides - like the popular Alishan tramways in Taiwan - powered by clean energy sources. Artistic enclaves could be nurtured in the surrounding environs for sketching, painting, sculpture or pottery.



PHOTO: Bukit Timah Railway
Green Corridor Picture - 2.jpg
http://www.thegreencorridor.org/

Let hikers and cyclists ramble along the vertical corridor from south to north, and stretches of tracks can be adapted for use as a wheelchair-friendly system of trolleys. The National Parks Board's island-wide park connector systems would get a boost, as would the Community-in-Bloom gardening projects in the heartland and private estates nearby.

PHOTO: Different routes for two railway stations?
Historic railway stations to be kept for future generations.
April 9, 2011 by admin
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5188/5645231893_a8f474d864.jpg
http://www.thegreencorridor.org/tag/conserved-building/

The Green Corridor is economically viable if points of interests are integrated in an eco-friendly manner to attract local and overseas visitors to enjoy the old cast-iron railway bridges; the black-and-white colonial bungalows in the Portsdown area; or a locomotive museum showcasing yesteryear's mechanical switchboard technology of rail tracks, to name but a few possible attractions.

PHOTO: Bukit Timah Railway
Green Corridor Picture - 3.jpg
http://www.thegreencorridor.org/

I was disturbed that public tenders have apparently been called for the removal of rail tracks in some parts.

Policy-makers should deliberate carefully and consult interest groups and individuals, particularly where the decision will greatly impact the collective memory of citizens.

Letter from Lee Seow Ser, 04:46 AM May 17, 2011, voices@mediacorp.com.sg



PHOTO: Bukit Timah Railway
Green Corridor Picture - 4.jpg
http://www.thegreencorridor.org/


Reference

• Today, Tuesday 17, May 2011, Page 14, Voices
• http://imcmsimages.mediacorp.sg/CMSFileserver/documents/006/PDF/20110517/1705VOC014.pdf
• http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC110517-0000221/A-green-corridor-down-memory-lane
• http://www.thegreencorridor.org/
• http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5188/5645231893_a8f474d864.jpg
• http://www.thegreencorridor.org/tag/conserved-building/