A recent report on the proposed construction of the Cross Island Line, which will cut through the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, noted that the area is home to 413 species of plants, 218 species of birds, 30 mammals, 24 freshwater fish species and 17 species of amphibians ("Cross Island Line: Site tests will be green"; Feb 6).

If the MRT line follows its planned route, rather than a diverted route, we would save 2km of track and about four minutes of travelling time ("Two options for new train line"; Feb 25, 2014).

Perhaps it is time we rethought our priorities. Is saving four minutes of travel time and the cost of increasing the track by 2km more important than potentially damaging Singapore's last patch of primary forest - our unique natural heritage and a legacy to be passed on to future generations?

Lee Swee Mun