Filthy conditions for beleaguered turtles
I visited Tai Tam Country Park the weekend before last and was disgusted to see a lot of rubbish floating in Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir.
There were polystyrene lunch boxes, plastic drinks bottles and plastic bags in the water. Several turtles were swimming through this debris searching for food.
I suspect that the culprits are either contractors working in the country park, or anglers who have left rubbish on the water's edge.
Will the relevant authorities do something about this unsightly problem? Moreover, will someone make sure rubbish does not get into the water? The recently instituted on-the-spot $600 fines for littering on the streets should also be rigorously enforced in country parks. Also, there ought to be clear signs to inform people that this reservoir is part of our drinking water system, which must not be polluted with rubbish.
Also, over the years I have seen many people releasing small birds, fish (including eels) and turtles from cages on to the land and into the water in country parks. Surely such acts upset the ecological balance of Hong Kong's precious natural areas?
I suggest that the relevant government departments start educating the public to learn to respect their natural environment. Officials should also try harder to enforce the laws that I assume are already in place to protect one of Hong Kong's great assets.
R. TAI
Stanley
