It has taken over 30 months and RM10 million to restore the Paya Indah Wetlands to its full glory and to reopen it to the public.
Closed since Feb 1, 2005, the Wildlife Department has proven itself capable of reviving the serene beauty of this natural resource, located some 15km away from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and about 20km away from Putrajaya.
Natural Resource and Environment Minister Datuk Douglas Unggah Embas was all praise as he led 1,000 students from 25 schools and local band Wings at the Wetlands’ official reopening yesterday morning, in conjunction with National Environmental Week.
“This is a fine example of how the ecosystem can be successfully restored for the benefit of future generations,” he said as visitors took in the all-green and freshlooking wetlands, home to two hippopotami and more than 140 species of birds.
In contrast to earlier days, when the falling water levels at the wetlands had threatened the survival of over 200 species of plants and animals, all 14 lakes are now filled to the brim while birds were seen thriving.
The lakes have been cleaned and more species of fish have been added in the effort to position this eco-tourism park as a centre of learning and bird-watching activities for years to come.
Visitors can enjoy a quiet retreat at the wetlands in fully-restored chalets and explore three different zones — the recreational zone, education zone and the preservation and research zone.
After taking a tour of the wetlands on bicycles, the minister released some 20 birds and planted trees with the help of the students.
The 3,100ha wetlands first opened on Oct 13, 2001, under the management of the Malaysian Wetlands Foundation and was later taken over by the Wildlife Department in March 2005.
This article was taken from: The Malay Mail: News 21 OCtober 2008
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