No plans to remove bird’s nest ferns from Singapore’s streetscape: NParks, NEA

We thank Ms Agatha Koh Brazil for her letter, “Why the sudden decision by NEA to remove roadside ferns?” (July 17).

Officers from the National Parks Board (NParks) visited Ms Koh on July 23 to apologise for giving her the wrong impression about bird’s nest ferns during their first visit with the National Environment Agency (NEA) on June 23.

Bird’s nest ferns do not collect water. There are no plans to remove bird’s nest ferns from our streetscape.

As part of efforts to stem the escalating dengue situation, NParks and NEA will advise residents on responsible gardening to prevent mosquito breeding.

The advice includes conducting regular upkeep of their gardens, such as clearing leaf litter, properly storing items that can collect water and removing stagnant water.

These simple acts can help prevent mosquito breeding and break the dengue transmission chain. Leaf axils, flower-pot plates and trays, hardened soil and vases remain the top few habitats where NEA finds mosquito breeding in residential premises.

Home owners and gardeners may refer to the NParks website for good gardening practices. Regular updates on the dengue situation can be found on the NEA website, Stop Dengue Now Facebook page, and the myENV mobile application.

ABOUT THE WRITERS:

Mr Oh Cheow Sheng is the group director of streetscape at the National Parks Board. Mr Tony Teo is the director of the environmental public health operations department at the National Environment Agency.

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