EJ InsightToday, 14:43
Massive tree cutting has taken place at Nam Sang Wai in Yuen Long, a scenic spot frequented by bird-watchers, cyclists and picnickers, according to photos taken by visitors to the area.
Photos of the axed trees first emerged on the account of a Facebook group on Thursday, with netizens lamenting the ecological damage and urging authorities to pursue those responsible for the offense, Headline Daily reports.
Nam Sang Wai Development Company Ltd., which manages most of the area, said in a response to media enquiries that it is difficult to determine if the location of the affected trees is within its area of responsibility by merely looking at the photos.
The company said it would assign ecology specialists to conduct on-the-spot assessment of the trees to ensure the safety of pedestrians and road users.
Yuen Long district councilor Kwong Chun-yu said 80 percent of Nam Sang Wai’s land area is privately owned.
As such, the company managing the area should not shirk responsibility for the massive cutting of trees, adding that it is unacceptable for trees to be cut at such a large scale.
Ng Hei-man, a spokesperson for the Conservancy Association, said many trees at Nam Sang Wai are unhealthy because of worm infestation or fire, and could be at risk of falling.
Ng said the management company might have cut the trees because of these factors.
Lying along Kam Tin River and Shan Pui River, Nam Sang Wai is a scenic landscape of farms and fish ponds with tall reeds and wooden huts.
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