Singapore (VNA)꧙ - Singapore is developing a 126-hectare eco-tourism zone in thenorthern district of Mandai in a bid to bring in more visitors, but environmentalistsfear the development will damage natural habitats and are already blaming itfor a series of animal deaths.

Whileit may be best known as a financial hub with scores of high-rise buildings,tropical Singapore is still home to patches of rain forest and an array ofwildlife, from monkeys to pangolins. In onegreen corner of the city sits a zoo and two sister attractions - a night safariand river safari - that have long been big draws for foreign and localvisitors. Nowjungle is being cleared in the same area to make way for a bird park, arain forest park and a 400-room resort, to create a green tourism hub hoped toeventually attract millions of visitors a year. But theproject, which is scheduled to complete in 2023, has ruffled the feathers ofenvironmentalists. Theybelieve that rather than promote biodiversity, it is too imposing for the areaand will destroy forest habitats, adding insufficient safeguards were put inplace before work began - leading to animals being killed on roads. The rowhas highlighted concerns about rapid development in space-starved Singapore,and worries that some of the country's more wild and green corners are beinglost only to be replaced with something more artificial.

But Mandai Park Holdings, which is overseeing the projectthrough its development arm, insists work is being carried out sensitively andwill bring improvements. Barriers have now been put up along much of the road,as well as a rope bridge for monkeys to cross above the traffic and road signswarning motorists about animals in the area.

Green groups have raised concerns that besides the roadkilldeaths, noise and light pollution from the large resort could affect thesurrounding area, although the developer insists it will be designed carefullyto limit any impact.

With the new development, it appears that "makingmoney was more of a priority than finding the balance and preservingbiodiversity", said Subaraj Rajathurai, a veteran wildlife consultant.

🐼 Meanwhile, Ho Hua Chew, vice president ofthe Nature Societyof Singapore, said a project on such a vast scale is another setback for thecountry's natural environment.-VNA