The move by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to post online the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the Cross Island MRT Line (CRL) is ground-breaking for Singapore and is commendable.

LTA is demonstrating its transparency about potential impacts of the proposed CRL by allowing the general public easy access to the EIA.

Very importantly, as one of the most influential agencies in the Government, LTA has set the bar for future EIAs and other developing agencies.

This is one step towards improving the EIA process in Singapore.

The next step for Singapore is to mandate EIAs and strengthen the EIA process so that it is more scientific and robust.

The next step for LTA is to continue to engage with feedback and consider what is of greater national importance.

A lot more deliberation is needed before any machine enters the forest.

Natalia Huang (Ms)