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Monday, 26-Apr-2004 8:49 AM THE NEW CEMETERY PROJECT: ADVERSE IMPACTS ON THE DESA KIARA COMMUNITY SYNOPSIS THEN The forested area that adjoined Desa Kiara and separated it from the existing cemetery was a soothing sight, providing a natural filter from air, noise and light pollution. It was made up of mixed fully-grown trees and undergrowth and was home to a rich variety of plants and wildlife. It helped to partially obscure the view of the cemetery and provided a cooling effect upon the condominium. The deep-rooted trees bound the fragile soil together and acted as a perfect filtration system for the rainfall and prevented undue run-off into the Sungai Penchala that ran beside it. NOW The clearing of all the trees and total removal of all vegetation has left a barren red earth wilderness that reflects light and heat onto the condominium. The lush greenery has vanished and the diverse eco-system with it, leaving behind an "urban heat island". The green buffer has been eliminated and there is nothing left to even partially obscure full view of the existing cemetery. Noise, heat, glare and smell are all increased. Erosion of the soil and the consequent run off into the Sungai Penchala is clearly visible. The destruction of the "Green Lung", without any warning or opportunity for prior consultation, has resulted in a micro-climatic change to the area. Economically, owners, both local and foreign, have been badly hit, as units are now unsaleable and only rentable at rock bottom rates. Introduction This paper is a working document intended to communicate the issues facing the residents of Desa Kiara Condominium. The issues and perceptions contained in the problem statement are intended to form a basis for a statement regarding the 'purpose and need' for urgent action or actions by the relevant authorities and stakeholders to address the concerns of the residents who are affected. The
author, who is Malaysian, born and bred in Kuala Lumpur, holds a
BSc degree in Chemistry, Botany & Zoology and a BEd from the
University of Bangalore, a Master's degree from the University of
Birmingham and a Certificate in Environmental Impact Assessment
from the University of Bradford. She has been a consultant on behalf
of various international organisations (ADB, World Bank, UN, EU
& DANCED) in many countries, including Malaysia. She is also
Vice-Chairman of the Desa Kiara Owners' & Residents' Association. Purpose The paper is written with the following objectives:
General Location The buffer zone in question is geographically part of Bukit Kiara. It is understood that Bukit Kiara (including Bukit Tunku - Kenny Hills) is a continuation of the Melawati Ridge which itself is a western extension of the Main Range. Bukit Kiara leads on to the next high point, which is Bukit Gasing. With development pressure on forest reserves, small island forests existed as zones and green corridors such as the Damansara, Bukit Kiara, Taman Tasik Perdana, Bukit Tunku and the Penchala-Segambut Forest Corridors. Desa Kiara's neighbouring buffer zone was one such island forest of the Penchala - Segambut Forest Corridor. No Consultation On November 5th 2003, without any prior notification or consultation of the Desa Kiara community, as stakeholders, by the authorities, land-clearing work began on the green-forested buffer zone. Systematic Destruction of Buffer Zone Bulldozers and mechanical diggers moved to the site on that date and systematically felled and cleared all the full-grown trees of which a large number were rubber trees. The wood was carefully harvested while all the bush, thicket and undergrowth was mechanically cut and cleared. Earth mounding and levelling works then took place. The area of approximately 12.5 acres now lies completely denuded of all vegetation; its friable, laterite soils subject to severe erosion from the regular rainfall and storms. Proposed Burial Ground This destruction of the forest and the news that the clearing was intended for a burial ground has had direct and far-reaching adverse effects on the residents and owners of the Desa Kiara Condominium. No Environmental Impact Assessment carried out Burial sites are usually evaluated geo-scientifically for the potential health risks posed to the living. It is the norm in most countries to require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before constructing a cemetery. Indeed, one was required for the Putrajaya cemetery; but, in this case, no EIA was carried out. A proper evaluation method should be used for the selection of suitable cemetery sites. There are at least 11 critical parameters that are used as criteria:
Clearly
these have not been considered in this instance nor have the health
and safety, socio-economic and cultural factors. The Desa Kiara
Owners and Residents Association as the registered society representing
the interests of the 2,500 people of the Desa Kiara community protest
these actions and list their concerns below. Impacts on Residents : Landscape, Visual and Aesthetic The green buffer zone previously softened the visual impact of the built up surrounding areas of the neighbourhood of the Desa Kiara Condominium. It was natural relief to the eye. The visual perspective starting with the green buffer zone came to rest on the distinctive and spectacular view of our city - the KL skyline with the Petronas Twin Towers and Menara KL in the distance. The green buffer zone offered partial respite by obscuring the existing cemetery. The overall view from the Desa Kiara apartments was an aesthetically pleasing one. The meticulous clearing of the buffer and every single tree that grew on it completely alters that view for the worse. Visually the site is now a barren red landscape that is a mixture of lateteritic and recent and subrecent riverine alluvium soils. All existing topsoil has been removed exposing the land to the ravages of the elements. The area is dusty in dry, windy conditions and waterlogged and muddy in wet. It is a view of these conditions and a clear, un-screened open view of the existing graveyard that the residents of Desa Kiara now face. Rubble and debris from the demolition of some buildings on the existing cemetery has been tipped at the perimeter of the drainage channel and in full view of Desa Kiara. The proposal for up to 11,000 plots leaves little or no space for soft landscaping or for turning the area into a shady 'garden of repose.' Neither does its location offer the peaceful and quiet setting associated with final places of rest even in the existing cemetery. A new burial ground would alter the character of the area permanently and irreversibly. Residents on all levels of the condominium will have direct, even closer views, of the daily burials than they have had hitherto and with none of the screening offered by the trees. The actions that have led to the impacts above, conflict directly with several of the policies that public authorities such as City Hall KL and others are bound by under Local Agenda 21 as well as Federal and Local Government policies and guidelines. Biodiversity The clear felling of trees and imprudent land clearing in the buffer zone has destroyed the diverse eco-system that existed in this forested area and has had a serious impact on the environmental stability of the surrounding area. As well as many different species of trees including dadap, acacia, rubber and flame of the forest, the green buffer zone supported a rich variety of wildlife. The loss of fauna habitat has removed entire bird, animal and insect populations that interacted harmoniously to maintain this environmentally significant and beneficial 'green lung'. This loss of wildlife, as well as trees and plants is not just a loss for the local community but for Kuala Lumpur itself, which needs to protect the existing biological diversity from encroaching development. Community, Social & Cultural The common areas of Desa Kiara incorporating open swimming pools, landscaped areas and children's playground have always been popular and well-utilised by residents. The clearing, mounding and levelling of the green buffer zone and unimpeded view of the existing cemetery has resulted in the following reactions: Residents using the swimming pools, especially, suffer the loss of privacy previously offered by the green buffer zone. The common areas and sporting facilities are not used as they were before with residents preferring to stay indoors rather than to see the depressing landscape next door and inhale the 'bad air'. The excessive heat, dust and noise levels they now experience are not incentives at all to exercise. Children are frightened and traumatised at the spectre of the existing graveyard and stay away from the playground. Neighbours do not socialise outdoors as they used to. Desa Kiara residents have always celebrated national festivals as a community. Under present circumstances it doesn't bode well for such occasions. The future scenario is even worse to consider. Views out of kitchens, living and dining rooms and the bedrooms are of the existing cemetery and the stark landscape of what used to be the green buffer zone. It is at present not a pleasant place to call home. The Desa Kiara community believes in placing the right objects in the right place to be in harmony and balance with oneself, nature and the universe. In this respect, cultural sensitivities ought to be better considered. The Desa Kiara community is the only one within the Taman Tun area of KL that is now denied the right by the authorities to a neighbourhood park or open recreational space. Community morale as a whole is at an all time low as their quality of life deteriorates. Residents fear that their right to reasonable and sustainable living conditions within the city of Kuala Lumpur may be ignored. Health and Safety Issues "Development...must also provide a clean, healthy, safe and caring environment that caters to the needs of all" - Draft Structure Plan Kuala Lumpur 2020 The nature of pollution emanating from a cemetery differs from that produced by conventional waste disposal sites, primarily because cemetery leachates pose a greater health hazard. Decomposing
corpses release a variety of pathogenic organisms. An incorrectly
sited cemetery can lead to contamination of the ground water and
water supply in general, therefore posing a serious health risk
to the community which could, in certain circumstances, lead to
an epidemic. Land & Water Contamination Decomposing bodies within the burial ground release bacteria, viruses and the breakdown products from decay. Viruses and harmful bacteria still living in the corpse have the potential to contaminate groundwater. Scientists from the British Geological Survey placed bore holes in a cemetery in Wolverhampton, England - Danescourt Cemetery - to test the groundwater some 10 metres below the surface. They discovered bacteria including faecal streptococci - indicating a human source. The groundwater also contained staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium found on human skin, which is responsible for most hospital-acquired infections. It is unusual to find it in groundwater as a rule. The Poliovirus for example may move considerable distances through sandy soils or gravels, but it has been proven that trees reduce this markedly as they intercept the rainfall. Other bacteria and pathogens migrate to the upper layers of the soil and pose considerable risk to health. Drainage areas to waterways, such as the Penchala channel, are not suitable areas for the burial of corpses. Pollutants in the groundwater will flow in plumes along the same path in poorly drained soils, and, in well-drained soils, pose the risk of tainting the aquifer itself. The burial ground project proposal plan includes a 3 metre high retaining wall. This wall might well be effective in holding back the soil. However, this retaining wall would need to have 'weep holes' to allow for drainage so as to withstand the pressure exerted by the massive volume of earth and rock. As a result of rainfall, leachates would flow from these 'weep holes'. Inevitably, pathogenic contaminants and other by-products of human decomposition, would leach out into the Sungai Penchala. Thus it can be said that the retaining wall would be of little benefit in preventing contamination. Such a wall would not, of course, have any effect in preventing full view of the burial ground from any of the condominium units (nor would the proposed line of conifers block the view of any but the lowest level of the condominium). Death by Notifiable or Unidentified Diseases Modern cemeteries are located well away from residential areas. Within Malaysia this recommendation is indeed made within the Government's own Structure Plan Kuala Lumpur 2020 ('there is plentiful land outside the City for such purposes'). This is with due consideration to the effects of decomposition as well as to prevent the possibility of contamination and the spread of infection of air, water and soil borne communicable diseases which may also be spread by birds, animals and insects. In the case of death as a result of notifiable diseases or previously unidentified diseases (eg SARS, Avian 'flu) residents and the rest of the local community would have no protection whatsoever. Danger exists to people downstream, not just in the Desa Kiara community, especially with the regular flooding that occurs in the Klang Valley. The risk of contamination and the spread of disease is a real possibility. The Federal Territory should not only have concerns for its own citizens but for neighbouring citizens in Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam and the rest of Selangor where the contaminated waters will be carried as the Penchala continues on its course towards the sea. Noxious Odours The burial ground project will substantially worsen air pollution. Decomposing corpses release hydrogen sulphide (smell of rotten eggs), methane, cadaverine and putrescine and mercaptans as by-products. These gases are noxious and foul smelling to people but are very attractive to a variety of insects. Residents currently report an influx of moths, ants and mosquitoes. These and other gases of decomposition are sometimes visible as atmospheric plumes (at night these ethereal mists can take on a frightening spectral quality). This stage is reached much faster in tropical climates than in temperate climates where it takes 4-6 days. Burial in a coffin slows down this process a little but where no coffin is used the noxious odour permeates the atmosphere very quickly after burial. Desa Kiara residents, especially those who reside on the higher levels of the complex, are already subject to a worse stench emanating from the existing cemetery, especially in dry weather. Without the green buffer zone at present, this is exacerbated with even a gentle breeze carrying the odours directly to residents. The gaseous release from human decomposition, and traffic exhaust emissions combined, pose the risk of asthma and other serious respiratory conditions. To site a new burial ground of the high density proposed at even closer proximity than the existing cemetery would further aggravate matters and make olfactory conditions unbearable for the living. The proposal creates a potentially hazardous health risk for all residents. Soil Erosion and Flooding "Development must be balanced in such a way that the overall configuration of land use is optimised without compromising societal needs or adversely affecting the existing natural and built environment." - Draft Structure Plan Kuala Lumpur 2020 Flood Plain Desa Kiara is sited in the flood plain of the Sungai Penchala that was deepened and channelised in the early 90's to support development in the area. During heavy thunderstorms, Desa Kiara's underground car parks at Level 2 are now subject to flooding. In heavy downpours, the retaining wall of the Penchala channel is only within inches of overflow and subsequent flooding. Surface Run-off In the past, the green buffer zone served to absorb a large amount of rainfall and to cool and shade the area. With the clearing and levelling and mounding works carried out over 6 weeks from November 5th the surface run off from the existing cemetery and the levelled site during heavy rainfall, now flows down in torrents emptying surface soil and leachates into the Penchala channel. The risk to Desa Kiara of flooding from the burial ground cannot be dismissed. Groundwater Pollution Burial grounds are noted as a serious source of pollution of groundwater. The proposed site is on higher ground than the surrounding - thus up-gradient from the local groundwater flow. Groundwater flows along the gradient in the water table. The high density of proposed burials and the proximity to Desa Kiara of the new site means that contamination by run-off is likely to become a stark reality. Temperature - Urban Heat Island : Heat Build Up & Greater Toxicity The stripped area has now turned into what scientists refer to as an Urban Heat Island. As the barren soil surface, the buildings and built up areas of the vicinity absorb daytime heat and as the chemicals in traffic emissions combine, an effect known as the urban heat island is formed. This is well documented in the Malaysian Environmental Quality Report 2000 & the Draft Structure Plan 2020. The Urban Heat Island, among other things, reduces human productivity, increases the demand for energy to cool residences and work places as the air temperature in surrounding areas can increase by 6-8 °F as a result. There are several health risks associated with the toxic vehicular emissions, which are further exacerbated by raised temperatures. Asphalt on road surfaces is well known for its heat retention and release. Adverse Micro-climatic Change It is understood that the burial ground plans include concrete retaining walls, marble tomb slabs and asphalted internal access roads and paths. Concrete, marble and asphalt absorb, retain and reflect heat. Given the high density of proposed burials, it can be reasonably assumed that the temperature and micro-climate of this vicinity will continue to be affected adversely. Air, Noise and Light Pollution : Loss of Natural Filtration Motor vehicles are the major source of air pollution in this residential enclave bounded by the constantly busy Damansara SPRINT Highway on the one side and the Taman Tun Dr Ismail Bypass (Jalan Damansara) on the other. The forested buffer zone, previously offered natural filtration of the low level pollutants of emissions from motor vehicles. Its removal hits residents with a direct onslaught of fumes. Increased Traffic Noise The forested buffer zone served as a natural sound barrier, absorbing a great deal of traffic noise. In the absence of any other physical highway sound barriers, Desa Kiara residents now have no protection whatsoever from the assault on their ears of the high traffic noise levels. Dust, Glare & Vehicle Emissions With the removal of the buffer zone residents are subjected to greater levels of dust mixed with a cocktail of low level air pollutants from traffic. Residents are also subject to severe glare and eye irritation which means keeping windows closed and all blinds and curtains drawn depriving them of something as simple as natural daylight and fresh air. Incessant Noise During clearing operations residents were subject to the incessant noise of heavy machinery from dawn till dusk. When work was at its height this went on for 7 days of the week. In the event that this project were to continue, daily piling & other mechanical noise pollution could be expected. Eye Irritation A large number of residents report having to seek medical attention for irritation of the eyes. Economic Impacts : Fall in Property Value Desa Kiara Condominium owners were subject to a dramatic fall in the value of their properties as soon as news of the proposed graveyard project became public. Property values continue to drop even further at present. Exodus of Residents Since clearing works began on the green buffer zone several owners and tenants have moved out and potential buyers have pulled out on the news of the proposed burial site next door. Unattractive to New Tenants Even lower rentals fail to attract tenants to reside in this, otherwise, exceptionally well-located and well-managed condominium complex. No New Financing Available Several financing applications made to banks by individuals negotiating the sale & purchase of apartments have been turned away or put on hold in the wake of the proposed burial ground being announced. Banks have issued internal directives not to deal with financing of Desa Kiara Condominiums, as they are not considered a viable option anymore. International Confidence Affected 85% of the units are owned by Malaysians with 15% by foreign owners. This latter represents 13% from Singapore and Hong Kong and 2% owned by other foreigners. Consistency with Federal and Local Government Regulations The Draft Structure Plan Kuala Lumpur 2020 clearly demarcates the 3 lots mentioned in this paper as "A Recreational and Open Space". Any proposal affecting a change of land use requires, by law, public notification and consultation with all interested stakeholders. Part XI of the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171) governs burial places and crematoria and should be read in conjunction with this paper. This covers a number of issues concerning the siting of burial grounds, licensing, revocation of licences, dangers to health of persons living in the neighbourhood, noxious odours and other hazards to public health. Mitigatory Measures Sought The following are mitigatory measures that the owners and residents of Desa Kiara demand that those responsible for their current situation carry out urgently, so as to remedy matters and provide for a better, safer and environmentally sound future for everyone concerned: Restoration of 'Green Lung' Restoration of the green buffer zone to its original land use as an open recreational area as cited under present future use in the Draft Structure Plan Kuala Lumpur 2020. Relocation of Proposed New Cemetery Re-siting of the proposed new cemetery to a larger, more sustainable area with greater land availability to serve community burial needs over a longer space of time, which will also have fewer impacts on the environment, health and safety of the living. Conclusion "Local Agenda 21 shall be adopted to encourage citizen participation towards creating a sustainable society. This is in line with government policies of implementing sustainable development strategies and policies set out in the Habitat Agenda of the Rio Declaration (June 1992)...This requires a commitment to the qualities of good governance... namely transparency, responsibility, accountability and the adoption of just, effective and efficient administrative practices." - Draft Structure Plan Kuala Lumpur 2020 To fully comprehend the extent of the devastation caused, it is necessary to view it directly from Desa Kiara Condominium itself. At every ascending level, the alarming extent of the destruction is more dramatically illustrated and the present and future plight of its residents more clearly appreciated. None of this can be properly viewed or understood from just ground level; neither can it be clearly seen from either of the two highways that pass on each side of this area. All the future ramifications of the actions taken, cannot be fully known at this time. However, this paper has sought to alert the authorities to the manner in which the actions were carried out, the current exceptionally unpleasant and worrying situation, as well as the potentially dire consequences of completing the proposed burial ground project.
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