As nature awareness grows, S’pore can rethink its approach to developing green spaces

The time is ripe to better engage citizens, and set clearer standards for when studies are needed. Read more at straitstimes.com.

SINGAPORE - Accustomed to the lush expanse of forest along Sungei Serangoon, some Hougang residents were taken aback in late 2025 to find machines carving out a bus depot in the heart of the woodland.

They said they were not aware of the impending development in the area and questioned why an environmental study was not required prior to its clearance.

In response, the authorities said the site was not a sensitive nature area and did not warrant such a study as the environmental impact would be limited. Still, some residents started a campaign to save the plot of land, dubbed Serangoon River forest.

Such outcries have been increasing in frequency. Other instances involved planned clearances in Woodlands and Jurong.

These vegetated plots, located outside protected areas, are to be felled to meet the country’s development needs, from industrial spaces that tap the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link to the expansion of Jurong Innovation District.

In tandem, the country is also promoting its vision of a “City in Nature” – which aims to conserve and restore nature in the urban environment. This has struck a discordant note with the public.