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[habitatnews] 2002-24: Reactions to the loss of the grand old Chengal pasir; Channel I, U, TODAY
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Habitatnews 2002-24: Friday, 22nd November 2002
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Reactions to the loss of the grand old Chengal pasir
http://habitatnews.nus.edu.sg/news/changi>
Earlier this morning, I sent out an issue that describe an effort to share
Changi’s heritage and the work of Joseph Lai and friends in highlighting the
heritage trees in the area. And of a special tree, Chengal pasir (Hopea
sangal) once though to be extinct, rediscovered and celebrated, and well
covered by the media.
On Wednesday, I received a shock when I visited the site on the way to
Changi Village. All I saw was a stump. Confirmation with Joseph about the
position led me to realise we had lost a rare and grand old tree right under
our noses. Nine days after Heritage Tree nominations closed!
The media were also dismayed to hear the news. Channel I and U will run
stories, and so will TODAY. Look out for it. We all hope that some good will
come of it. There are more old heritage trees in Changi, and NParks can only
do so much with laws, vigilance, enforcement, education and advice.
The public’s role is important. It reportedly only took an hour or the tree
to be cut. Hopefully the awareness generated from this issue will lead their
better protection, both from lightning strikes and hasty developers.
Below is Tan Beng Chiak’s reaction and an invitation to join them on a walk.
While we have lost Hopea sangal, there are other trees worth a visit and a
chance to sow some memories of a unique place in Singapore.
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“Hopea sangal Requiem” By Tan Beng Chiak 22 November 2002
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Hi all
My friend Joseph Lai showed me this tall towering tree recently at Changi.
He told me the story of how this could possibly be the tree that Changi was
named after. Imagine the area was once covered by a forest with these giants
around 100 years ago! They are called “Chengal Pasir” or “Chengal mata
kuching” in Malay and the scientific name is Hopea sangal. A tree that gives
hope?
This tree has somehow escaped the axe all these years & stood alone by the
road & has witnessed the development around it. I was filled with wonderment
as I pondered on this fact and that this is possibly the last tree of its
kind left as Botanists have listed this tree as extinct in Singapore. I was
so excited & felt such a privilege to be standing there next to it. Imagine
all these years people have passed it by unsuspecting of its importance, not
knowing its identity. It is not an outstandingly beautiful tree but it has
stood the test of time & development.
We have found a nation’s Natural Treasure.
The significant role that it can play in our historical heritage is obvious.
Not to mention the importance of rescuing this species from the brink of
extinction in Singapore. To make this one tree becomes a few. To resurrect
our native trees that have been lost.
Yesterday I received sad news that the giant Hopea sangal tree has been cut
down!
How could this have happen? How could we have just discovered such a
treasure and before we have time to even learn more about it we’ve already
lost it? Has it not survived the machinery of development all these years?
How could it be possible that knowing its identity now, knowing the possible
role it can play in our historical heritage, the role it can play in the
biological heritage, are still reasons not good enough to save it?
Why?
Is it ignorance? Stupidity? Or apathy?
If you are free this Sunday join Joseph on his Changi Tree Walk from 9am -
11am. No. I don’t think it will be a requiem for this tree of hope but he
will be showing you other old trees around that area.
Maybe there is time still to save the other trees. However the one that is
most significant for me was the first to fall.
Regards, Beng Chiak
<http://habitatnews.nus.edu.sg/news/changi/changitrees/hopeasangal-20nov2002
/index.html> Hopea sangal, Changi tree contender, finally extinct? 20th
November 2002
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