Protecting open spaces in urban areas

IDEALLY, everyone would want a healthy city to live in. But is this achievable?

One way is for urban residents to actively ensure that green spaces in their areas, such as parks, playgrounds, fields and forests (components of “green infrastructure”), are preserved and protected.

Green spaces not only increase the quality of urban settings but also promote sustainable lifestyles that improve the health and well-being of residents.

But will residents go the extra mile to protect and preserve these spaces?

Far too many open spaces in urban areas are making way for commercial development, and at a rapid pace too. One example is the Mont Kiara area in Kuala Lumpur where numerous high-rise condominiums are being built, one after the other.

Although urban dwellers know their rights, it has been an uphill task so far to convince the local authorities to stop approving any more development applications in prime open spaces. Urban inhabitants should claim what is rightfully theirs as specified in their city’s master/structure plan.

Like-minded residents should come together to pressure their local authorities to reject new demands from developers.

Take, for instance, the legal battle by the Taman Tun Dr Ismail Residents Association (TTDI RA) against Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), requesting it withdraw the development order for the area around Taman Rimba Kiara (TRK).

The residents want TRK, a public park and green lung area, to be preserved as it is (pic).

It does not need a rocket scientist to say that if development on open spaces is allowed to go on unchecked, environmental degradation will set in.

Local councils also have an obligation to discuss with key stakeholders when they receive development plans from developers.

At the individual level, residents can do simple things like planting trees. I am now enjoying the shade of trees that somebody planted years ago.

Many individuals have the false notion that what they do will not make any difference. But be mindful that even one person can make a difference if they put their heart and soul in the cause.

One needs to stand up and be counted. When the voice gets louder, as in the case of the TTDI residents, the authorities will have to take action.

If we want a clean environment, we have to work/pay for it or play our part.

The Japanese are a good people to emulate. The moment they embrace an idea, such as environmental consciousness, they will give it their support in whatever way they can.

We may have the best plans, blueprints or regulations in the world, but they are practically useless if there is no political will to push them through. In addition, enforcement is weak. A law is as good as its enforcement.

DR POLA SINGH

Co-founder of Friends of Bukit Kiara

Kuala Lumpur