Thursday September 2, 2010
Star
GEORGE TOWN: The state government has issued a stern warning to those who cut down mangrove trees off Gurney Drive — “You will be prosecuted”.
State Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said he had ordered rangers from the state Forestry Department to investigate who had chopped down six mangrove trees at the popular recreational area.
“The trees are Government property, planted in public places on government land by government officials. What do they think they are doing?” Phee, when contacted yesterday, asked.
Saying that the felling was illegal and a form of vandalism, Phee said there were provisions in the law to bring the fellers to book.
“They better stop (the felling) right now,” Phee warned.
It was reported on Wednesday that six young mangrove trees measuring about 2m high were felled. The six trees were among 300 saplings that the state had planted in the mud flat near the Gurney Drive roundabout last year.
On rubbish accumulated on the mangrove trees, Phee said it was proof that Government projects could not succeed without public participation.
“Some people dispose their rubbish without any regard for the environment. Those that end up in the sea get washed in during high tide and end up hooked on the mangroves,” Phee said in reference to the mangrove trees that had entrapped plastic bags and other colourful litter in their branches.
Star
GEORGE TOWN: The state government has issued a stern warning to those who cut down mangrove trees off Gurney Drive — “You will be prosecuted”.
State Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said he had ordered rangers from the state Forestry Department to investigate who had chopped down six mangrove trees at the popular recreational area.
“The trees are Government property, planted in public places on government land by government officials. What do they think they are doing?” Phee, when contacted yesterday, asked.
Saying that the felling was illegal and a form of vandalism, Phee said there were provisions in the law to bring the fellers to book.
“They better stop (the felling) right now,” Phee warned.
It was reported on Wednesday that six young mangrove trees measuring about 2m high were felled. The six trees were among 300 saplings that the state had planted in the mud flat near the Gurney Drive roundabout last year.
On rubbish accumulated on the mangrove trees, Phee said it was proof that Government projects could not succeed without public participation.
“Some people dispose their rubbish without any regard for the environment. Those that end up in the sea get washed in during high tide and end up hooked on the mangroves,” Phee said in reference to the mangrove trees that had entrapped plastic bags and other colourful litter in their branches.
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