A green group has sounded a warning that one paradise is about to be lost in a Hakka enclave in scenic Sai Kung Peninsula, alleging that some villagers have sold their right to build small houses to developers in transactions ruled illegal in a recent court case.

The group, Conservancy Association, noted that the enclave is not only a heritage site but a sanctuary for birds and butterflies. What is more, it is located within a water catchment area that can easily be polluted by large-scale residential property developments.

The Lands Department has said that it has not granted any building permits in that area and promised to follow up the matter to ascertain whether illegal land transfers had taken place.

Meanwhile, the Heung Yee Kuk that represents Hong Kong's rural residents said that it had amassed a war chest to fight the ruling against building right transfer all the way to the National People's Congress in Beijing if necessary. But so far, it is not known if the convicted villagers have filed an appeal.

As the matter stands, selling the right to build small houses granted by the government to eligible villagers is liable to prosecution. The relevant government authorities have made that point clear to the villagers. They have reminded developers that building permits will not be granted to land acquired under such arrangements.

Apparently, the convicted villagers who are serving time in prison were caught in the policy gray area concerning the extent of their right to build small houses. The Kuk alleged that villagers were given the impression by the authorities that it was permissible to sell those rights. The court obviously decided otherwise.

Instead of deriding the villagers for their greed, it should be noted that they were the victims of rapid development in the rural areas to meet the insatiable demand for housing by all Hong Kong people.

Environmentalists love to condemn the villagers for their anti-preservation stance. But why should this small group of people be singled out for criticism while the rest of Hong Kong shows little remorse in tearing down historic buildings, defacing green hillsides with hideous-looking structures and polluting the city's air with their big SUVs?

Before more villagers are locked up for having misunderstood their rights, the government should make greater efforts in clarifying its policy. Prosecution should be seen as the last resort.

(HK Edition 01/21/2016 page8)