Shan Pui River / Kam Tin River

To solve the flooding problem in Kam Tin area, in early 1990s the DSD began drainage improvement works for Kam Tin River and Shan Pui River through straightening and deeping the channels and excavation in a large strip of fish ponds in the midst of Nam Sang Wai, to build a 120m wide, 3km long new channel. The lower course of Kam Tin River has become disconnected from Kam Tin River now. You can observe its narrow, windy meanders that differ considerably from the wide, straight new channel.

The DSD planted mangroves including Kandelia and River Mangrove and mangrove associates such as Spiny Bears Breech along the banks of Kam Tin River new channel and Shan Pui River, as compensation for the wetland loss due to the river works. Mangroves grow in estuaries and lower courses of tidal rivers. They form rich ecosystems and can stabilise the riverbanks.

A 1,500 hectares of wetland at Mai Po and Inner Deep Bay – the Ramsar site is an important habitat where waterfowl feed and rest. Kam Tin River and Shan Pui River are important parts of the wetland system as they bring sediments and nutrients to the wetland. During the associated river training works, several measures were adopted at the estuary to protect the Ramsar site’s ecology, including retaining some ­fish ponds, and natural mud is kept as the bottom substance.