Environment & climate

• EMMP monitoring conducted instead of a post-implementation audit; no significant habitat changes found.
• Polder operation expected negligible impact; insights will inform future empoldering assessments.

• MP asked about sand import sources, quantities, and future procurement plans.
• Also asked about social and environmental safeguards for reclamation.
• Minister referred to earlier written reply instead of providing new details.

• Minister referred to existing 8 Sep 2026 reply on Western Island planning.
• Question asks balancing economic, energy, defence, environmental, resilience goals.
• Also asks publishing planning principles before major reclamation works.

• MP asked if BIA guidelines are mandatory and reviews independent.
• Minister cited updated guidelines, developer consultations, and NParks adequacy reviews.
• No commitment to make elements mandatory or ensure review independence.

• Rachel Ong questioned the 30-metre corridor versus EIA's 60-metre recommendation and urged more forest retention.
• Minister said no objections to rezoning; plans not final and open to retaining more greenery.

• Awarded data centres total 200 MW, about 12% of Singapore's capacity.
• Electricity mostly from grid plus on-site solar; over half uses local low-carbon sources.
• Operators must report consumption and substantiate low-carbon share to IMDA and EDB.

• MP asked about Return Right machines in schools and expansion plans.
• Minister deferred to prior written answer on expanding accessibility near coffeeshops/supermarkets.

• MPs sought clarity on Semakau Landfill’s operations, 2035 lifespan, and successor site amid western island merger plans.
• Minister said NEA will coordinate future landfill plans and extend capacity via waste reduction, recycling, and reuse.

• MPs urged documenting heritage of former island communities and consulting descendants before reclamation.
• They questioned criteria for avoiding reclamation in ecologically sensitive marine habitats.
• They asked about empoldering to reduce environmental impact and protecting biodiversity; minister cited earlier answers.

• Singapore's UN biodiversity targets account for land scarcity; minister says they're on track.
• By March 2026, 60 of 80 hectares of forest, marine, coastal habitats restored.
• Reclamation not addressed as conflict; cites mangrove restoration at Pulau Ubin as progress.

• Dennis Tan asked whether baseline biodiversity studies for Tagore Forest exist.
• He also asked about conserving it as a buffer park to Central Catchment.
• Chee Hong Tat referred to a previous written answer on 8 September 2026.

• NParks retains mature trees where feasible unless unsafe or cannot integrate.
• Replacement trees planted in adequate green buffers with species tailored to project needs.
• Species selection considers growth rates, shade, biodiversity, and ecological connectivity.

• Singapore imported 560,000 tonnes of fibre annually over three years.
• Food waste disposal averaged 639,000 tonnes yearly, including inedible parts.
• Surplus redistributed and supply chain fibre loss are not tracked by agencies.