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NewsAsia, 18 Dec 04 Campers complain of overcrowding, littering after lifting of camping permits by Ken Teh Singaporeans are flocking to the beach after the lifting of camping restrictions this month. While many are enjoying the new found freedom, some beach goers are saying the overcrowding, littering and noise are making beaches look increasingly like slums. Sand, sea and sun...an idyllic weekend retreat for Singaporeans. Or is it? Since camping permits were done away with and more sites opened early this month, happy campers have been coming in droves. Before the lifting of restrictions, the National Parks Board received over 10,000 applications for camping permits in the first 10 months of this year. "It is good because honestly I do not apply for permit when I come camping." "This is okay for children, it is a place to come and make noise and get around." The 500-metre stretch along East Coast alone has a staggering 40 to 50 tents. And the sheer number of families, school mates and teenage couples have quite frankly gotten some Singaporeans a little worried. "It is beginning to look like a shanty town, it is very crowded...my concerns is that maybe there might be an increase in petty theft." "Noise pollution." "Very dirty environment especially during the weekends." "Without permit, youngsters might anyhow come and tent the thing up then just stay overnight two days or three days or even a week." "My only concern is that teenagers who are here for the wrong reasons but we are not here to control every bit of society right?" "Sometimes at night some tents I heard couples doing something inside the tent...they should not do at public place, they should do somewhere private." NParks said this was a six-month trial programme and will not rule out increasing the number of cleaners and park rangers should overcrowding and littering persist. But it is also appealing to campers to act responsibly and be considerate to other beach goers. Camping without permits are now allowed at parks at Changi Beach, East Coast, Pasir Ris, Sembawang and West Coast. links Related articles on Re-creation in our wild places |
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