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The Environment,
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THE drafting of new laws to control pollution and the introduction of other means of protecting the environment went ahead in 1976 following a two-year survey by consultants into existing pollution problems and those likely to arise in the future. Some of the new legislation is expected to come into effect in 1977. A central Environ- mental Protection Unit was also set up, and part of its job will be to co-ordinate the efforts of the various government departments which have long been concerned with Hong Kong's environment.
To open up the countryside for the enjoyment of all, and at the same time to provide for its conservation for future generations, a Country Parks Ordinance was implemented. It enables large areas of countryside to be designated as country parks or special areas. A Country Parks Board was formed to advise on the designation of areas and on general policy-which includes educating the public on fire hazards, litter problems, and the protection of wildlife and plants.
Most of Hong Kong's countryside is in the New Territories, which consists of a portion of the Chinese mainland and 235 islands, together covering 370.5 square miles. On the tip of the mainland is Kowloon-which, with Stonecutters Island, covers 4.3 square miles.
The capital of Hong Kong and the centre of commerce, Victoria, is on the north side of Hong Kong Island. Victoria and Kowloon form twin cities facing each other across one of the most spectacular harbours in the world, and one of the most busy. The two cities are 90 miles southeast of Canton, 40 miles east of Portuguese Macau, and 70 nautical miles south of the Tropic of Cancer. With Hong Kong Island and adjacent islets covering 29.2 square miles, Hong Kong's total land area is 404 square miles, including recent reclamations.
Pollution Monitoring and Control
The policy making and co-ordinating body responsible for maintaining a good environment is the Environment Branch of the Government Secretariat. Aside from pollution and conservation, its responsibilities broadly cover land matters, overall planning, new towns, urban services, roads, transport, and certain aspects of the mass transit railway.
The Secretary for the Environment is able to encourage and oversee development while ensuring that it is properly controlled. He can also consider ways of tackling existing pollution and guarding against potential pollution from sophisticated new industries. It was because pollution control legislation was considered outdated and unable to cope with present day problems and future needs that the environmental