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Synopsis :

This feature on pollution looks at the importance of water in our daily lives and the need for clean water. While industrialisation and modernisation have led to progress and prosperity, they have brought with them certain dangers. These include air, water and noise pollution. Big and small nations are affected by pollution and as a developing country, Singapore is no exception. In the programme, Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew who spoke at the inauguration of the Keep Singapore Clean Campaign says that the people of Singapore understand that the need to keep Singapore's beaches, drains, rivers and roads clean and free of mosquitoes is for everyone's good health and well-being. He believes that the standard of cleanliness in Singapore can be improved. Health Minister Chua Sian Chin notes that the 1971 Keep Singapore Clean Campaign aims to drive home the message that our physical environment is the concern of everyone. Any deterioration of our environment will lead to the deterioration of the quality of life. Water is important not only for our personal well-being and health, but for economic progress. Mr Chua sees the need to stop the indiscriminate dumping of garbage into drains. Households and hawkers have been advised on the proper disposal of waste water. He says that it is vital to stop pollution of rivers, canals and other water sources by tackling the problem at its source. The disposal of waste into rivers adversely affects fish and other organisms. Similarly sea water is often polluted by waste material as well as oil spills from ships. Plankton in the sea can be destroyed by water pollution and fish which feed on plankton will die. A child specialist then touches on the importance of personal hygiene for good physical and dental health. Education and not mere legislation will help to improve personal hygiene. It is hoped that modern facilities together with anti-littering measures will result in keeping Singapore clean.