More than 1,000 people gathered at Hong Lim Park on Sunday (16 August) to raise concerns about proposed developments at Maju Forest and Gillman Barracks.
CNA arrived at the estimate using aerial images of the crowd at the “Maju for the People” rally, which was organised by environmental advocacy group SG Climate Rally.
The event took place just two days after the Government said it would change its plans to preserve more greenery at both locations, although the precise revisions have yet to be announced.
Rally Participants Called for More Transparency
The three-hour programme began at 3.30pm and included speeches, postcard-writing activities and sing-alongs.
Participants called for greater protection of Singapore’s natural spaces, as well as more transparency and public involvement in decisions over how land is used.
In a statement issued after the rally, SG Climate Rally called for development at the two sites to be paused until the Government releases more information about the need for housing there and whether alternative locations have been considered.
The group also sought broader changes to the planning process, including stronger safeguards for nature areas and mandatory environmental impact assessments before sites are selected for development.
Several opposition politicians attended the rally, including members of the Workers’ Party, Progress Singapore Party and Singapore Democratic Party.
Government Has Said More Greenery Will Be Retained
HDB announced plans on 10 July to build homes at Sunset Way, where Maju Forest is located, and Gillman Barracks.
Under the plans announced then, around 35 per cent of Maju Forest’s forested area would have been retained. The preserved sections would include a freshwater stream, surrounding vegetation and the former Jurong railway line.
At Gillman Barracks, green areas equivalent to about 40 per cent of the site’s existing greenery would have remained. These included most of its native-dominated secondary forest, its forest stream and ecological links to nearby parks and nature areas.
The proposed developments could have involved clearing about 15ha of Maju Forest and at least 10ha of forest at Gillman Barracks.
However, Minister of State for National Development Alvin Tan said on 14 August that the plans would be adjusted following feedback from nature groups, residents and members of the public.
More greenery would be kept than originally proposed, he said, but this would also reduce the number of homes that could be built at the two locations.
Authorities have not determined exactly how much additional greenery will be preserved. They aim to finalise the revised plans over the coming month while continuing to receive feedback.
HDB and the Ministry of National Development have also said they will publish a report summarising the feedback received and the authorities’ responses before detailed development plans are finalised.
