+
49
The buffer zone is protected by law under the Town Planning Ordinance. The relevant Outline Zoning Plans have designated areas in the buffer zone as, respectively, "Conservation Area", "Site of Special Scientific Interest" and "Recreation" as appropriate. In Buffer Zone 1 i.e. the area referred to in (iii) above, no development other than that devoted to conservation management and environmental education is allowed. In Buffer Zone 2 i.e. the area referred to in (iv) above, no development which may pose a threat to the environment and ecology of the area is allowed. The Town Planning Board has issued guidelines to provide guidance to the public on the protection of the buffer zone.
End
Rainstorm and flood warnings
Following is a question by the Hon Zachary Wong and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Currently a rainstorm red warning or black warning is issued according to the recorded average rainfall of the whole territory, but very often. However, serious flooding has already occurred in the Northwest New Territories and the Northern District during a torrential downpour before the relevant warning is issued. In view of this, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) whether the Government will consider issuing such warnings on a district basis instead of on a territory-wide basis, in view of the fact that the low-lying regions in the New Territories are particularly prone to serious flooding; if not, why not; and
(b) if the answer to (a) is in the negative, what other measures does the Government have which will give an early warning of a flood to villagers constantly threatened by flooding?