The report on Feb 14 has rightly pointed out that the Central Catchment Nature Reserve has many valuable species of plants and animals ("Call for 'zero impact' on nature reserve").

It would be best to consider constructing the new MRT line outside the reserve, so that no work is done therein to disturb the trees and animals.

Another ecological factor we must consider is that should the MRT line be constructed within the reserve, the underground soil water table may be changed.

This will certainly affect the root system of the trees, especially the giant, timber-size ones, and could lead to their demise. Incidentally, there are many such trees scattered in different parts of the reserve.

As an ecologist, I do hope that we can avoid constructing the proposed line under the forests.

Wong Yew Kwan