Under the PM Gati Shakti initiative of Hon’ble Prime Minister with the aim to provide seamless and efficient connectivity for the movement of people, goods and services across various modes of transport, thereby enhancing last-mile connectivity and reducing travel time, and under the guidance of Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, the Multi Modal Logistics Park Limited, Nagpur (MMLP Nagpur) at Sindi, near Wardha commenced its commercial operations with a goal to establish a faster link.
The MMLP Nagpur established by National Highway Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), a 100% owned company of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) received its first rake of 123 Maruti Cars from Ex-Farukhnagar on 28th April marking a major achievement for the facility.
NHLML has signed an agreement with a private developer for the Multi Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) in an area of 150 acres in three phases under Public-Private Partnership model with Concession Period of 45 years, at an estimated cost of Rs.673 crore. Phase-I will be developed with an investment of Rs. 137 crore.
An Authority SPV, Maharashtra MMLP Pvt. Ltd., is formed between National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA). The Authority SPV has to provide land, external rail and road connectivity as well as water and power supply for development of MMLP.
The MMLP will provide facilities such as warehouses, cold storages, intermodal transfers, handling facilities for container terminals, bulk / break-bulk cargo terminals along with Value Added Services such as sorting / grading and aggregation / desegregation areas, bonded warehouse and customs facilities as well as support logistics facilities such as offices for freight forwarders and transporters and truck terminals.
Development of MMLP Nagpur will help improve country’s freight logistics sector by enabling efficient inter-modal freight movement to lower overall freight costs and time; providing efficient warehousing, improved tracking and traceability of consignments, thereby enhancing efficiency of the Indian logistics sector. It will further create employment opportunities and bring in economic development in the region.
A grand felicitation ceremony was held at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) on Tuesday to honour five distinguished personalities who have been conferred with the Padma Shri award for their outstanding contributions in the fields of art and temple architecture. The IGNCA specially invited these eminent figures to recognise and celebrate their exemplary work. The awardees honoured at the event included: renowned art historian Prof. Ratan Parimoo for his contributions to the field of art; eminent musicologist and educationist Prof. Bharat Gupt for his work in the field of classical arts; acclaimed sculptor Shri Adwaita Charan Gadanayak; distinguished temple architect Shri Radhakrishnan Sthapathy; and celebrated Maand and Bhajan singer Begum Batool for her contribution to the preservation and performance of traditional music. The event was envisioned by Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, whose initiative brought together this celebration of distinguished contributions. It was presided over by Padma Vibhushan Dr. Sonal Mansingh, renowned Nritya Guru, scholar, and former Rajya Sabha member, who chaired the session with grace and insight.
In her address, Dr. Sonal Mansingh began by warmly congratulating the Padma awardees and acknowledged their contributions as an integral part of India’s cultural heritage. She remarked that such individuals serve as an inspiration to society and play a vital role in preserving and sustaining our traditions. Reflecting on the unique spirit of the IGNCA, Dr. Mansingh observed that those who become associated with the institution often develop a bond that endures for a lifetime. She reaffirmed IGNCA’s standing as a centre of excellence, recognised for fulfilling its responsibilities with precision, consistency, and unwavering commitment. Even the most demanding tasks, she remarked, are carried out with exceptional efficiency and integrity at IGNCA. She added that this
‘National Centre for the Arts’ stands as a true emblem of Indian art.
On this occasion, Member Secretary of IGNCA, Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, in his welcome address, remarked that each of the Padma Shri awardees being honoured shares, in one way or another, a deep connection with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. He expressed that it is a matter of pride and honour for IGNCA to be able to felicitate such distinguished scholars from its own platform. Referring to Adwaita Gadanayak, he said, “Adwaita is truly Advitiya (unique).” Dr. Joshi affectionately addressed Begum Batool as an elder sister and highlighted that Radhakrishnan Sthapathy, though a trained engineer by profession chose to leave engineering behind to carry forward his father’s tradition of temple architecture. He emphasised that the bond being celebrated today is not merely one of recognition, but of a deeply rooted familial and emotional connection with IGNCA.
Reflecting on the significance of this year’s Padma Awards, Dr. Joshi noted that while the annual announcements always bring pride, this year felt particularly personal. On the night the honours were declared, he personally called twenty-two individuals to extend his congratulations. Among those recognised were President of IGNCA, Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, conferred with the Padma Bhushan, and Trustee of IGNCA, Shri Vasudev Kamath, along with Prof. Bharat Gupt-both recipients of the Padma Shree. Their long-standing and meaningful association with IGNCA, like that of the other awardees being felicitated, made this celebration especially memorable.
Prof. Sudhir Lall, HoD, Kalakosh Division, IGNCA, offered an insightful introduction to the distinguished contr
ibutions of Prof. Bharat Gupt and Prof. Ratan Parimoo, highlighting their enduring impact in the realms of classical thought and art history. Prof. Achal Pandya, HoD, Conservation and Cultural Archives Division, IGNCA, elaborated on the life and work of Shri D. Radhakrishnan Sthapathy, drawing attention to his dedication to the sculptural traditions of South India and his commitment to preserving indigenous forms. Prof. Richa Kamboj, HoD, Kaladarsana Division, IGNCA, presented a comprehensive profile of Shri Adwaita Gadanayak, delving into his significant achievements as a sculptor and arts administrator. Shri Anurag Punetha, Controller, Media Centre, IGNCA, introduced Begum Batool with warmth and reverence, offering a detailed account of her contributions to the preservation and promotion of oral and folk traditions.
On this occasion, all five Padma Shri awardees also shared their thoughts and expressed their heartfelt gratitude to IGNCA for organising this felicitation ceremony. Begum Batool delighted the audience by singing the famous Rajasthani folk song “Kesariya Balam Padharo Mhare Des” in her resonant voice.
Held at the Samvet Auditorium, the event saw participation from scholars, students, and art connoisseurs from Delhi and across the country. The speakers lauded the contributions of the awardees, describing them as guardians of India’s cultural consciousness. Organised by IGNCA, the ceremony was not only a gesture of honour but also an inspiring initiative to carry forward the legacy of Indian artistic traditions to the younger generation.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Report No. 84 of the Director of Audit on the results of value for money audits was tabled in the Legislative Council this morning (April 30).
A value for money audit is an examination into the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which any bureau of the Government Secretariat, department, agency or other public body has discharged its functions. Report No. 84 of the Director of Audit covers a variety of subjects on the administration of government programmes and provision of public services.
Report No. 84 comprises the following eight chapters:
Chapter
Subject
1
Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales
2
Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications
3
Lantau Conservation Fund
4
Management of Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme by the Buildings Department
5
Maritime and Aviation Training Fund
6
Street cleansing services
7
The Society for the Aid and Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers
8
Working Family Allowance Scheme
Report No. 84 of the Director of Audit on the results of value for money audits is available on the Audit Commission’s website at www.aud.gov.hk.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ11: Sale of electricity generated by waste-to-energy facilities Question:
It is learnt that the Government is currently selling the surplus electricity generated by waste-to-energy facilities to the power companies at the prevailing fuel costs of the power companies. It has been reported that the relevant sale prices of electricity are too low, but the power companies are selling electricity to consumers at normal prices. There are views that the Government should make public the criteria for determining the sale prices of electricity, so as to ensure that the electricity generated by waste-to-energy facilities can be sold to the power companies at reasonable prices. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) since the commissioning of T·PARK, O·PARK1 and O·PARK2, of (i) the amount of electricity generated by such facilities, (ii) the prices at which the surplus electricity generated by them was sold to the power companies, (iii) the criteria for the sale of electricity (including why the surplus electricity from such facilities was sold to the power companies at fuel costs), and (iv) the respective prevailing average tariffs charged by the power companies; the revenue received by the Government from the sale of such electricity;
(2) given that the Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1 (i.e. I·PARK1) is expected to come into operation within this year, whether the authorities have drawn up plans for the sale of electricity in respect of the facilities;
(3) as it is learnt that the Government sells the surplus electricity generated by waste-to-energy facilities to the power companies at the prevailing fuel costs of the power companies, whether the tariff revenue concerned has been deducted from the permitted rate of return stipulated in the Scheme of Control Agreements (SCAs); if so, of the details; if not, whether the relevant provision will be added when formulating SCAs in the future; and
(4) whether it will require the power companies to offer corresponding tariff discounts to the grass roots, or residents living in the vicinity of waste-to-energy facilities; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
To achieve the goals of “Zero Landfill” and carbon neutrality set out in the Waste Blueprint for Hong Kong 2035 and Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050, the Government is pressing ahead with the development of a network of advanced and highly efficient modern waste-to-energy (WtE) facilities, including modern WtE incineration facilities and food waste treatment facilities, with a view to moving away from the reliance on landfills for direct disposal of municipal solid waste and transforming waste into energy for the daily operation of such facilities, while the surplus electricity generated can be exported to the power grid of the power companies. According to the existing arrangement, the Government would sell the surplus electricity to the power companies at the prevailing fuel costs of the power companies. The relevant revenue generated would be paid into the general revenue of the Government. My reply to the question raised by the Hon Chan Hak-kan is as follows:
(1) and (3) T·PARK, Organic Resources Recovery Centre Phase 1 (O·PARK1) and Phase 2 (O·PARK2) are all WtE facilities. T·PARK is a sludge incineration facility dedicated to treating sludge generated from sewage treatment works. The heat energy generated from the sludge incineration process is recovered to generate electricity. On the other hand, O·PARK1 and O·PARK2 adopt anaerobic digestion technology to convert food waste into biogas for electricity generation. From their commencement of operation till December 2024, the cumulative amount of electricity generated and surplus electricity exported to the power grid by T·PARK and O·PARK1 are tabulated below:
Facility(million kWh)(million kWh)O·PARK2 began receiving food waste for operational testing in March 2024, during which the contractor was required to test and fine-tune each combined heat and power generation unit in phases. The electricity generated and utilised during normal operation was not reflected, and there was no surplus electricity exported to the power grid. Hence, there are no detailed records for O·PARK2 from March to December 2024.
The sale of surplus electricity generated by WtE facilities to the power companies by the Government does not cause an increase in overall electricity demand. Its actual effect is saving the fuel that power companies would otherwise need to generate an equivalent amount of electricity. If the sale price is set at a level higher than the fuel cost thus saved, it will lead to an increase of the fuel cost. On the contrary, if the sale price is set at a level lower than the fuel cost thus saved, it will be equivalent to subsidising the fuel cost by the Government. The Government has therefore used the prevailing marginal fuel cost of electricity generation saved by the power companies for purchasing such surplus electricity as a basis for setting the price of the surplus electricity, to avoid affecting the tariff. According to the Scheme of Control Agreements (SCAs) signed between the Government and the power companies, the amounts paid by the power companies for purchasing the surplus electricity generated by the Government’s renewable energy systems are counted as part of their fuel costs, which are accountable expenses. The power companies are not permitted to earn a return from such electricity purchases.
Over the years, the surplus electricity generated by T·PARK and O·PARK1 has been sold to CLP Power Hong Kong Limited at actual prices ranging from approximately $0.2 to $0.8 per kWh, while the average net tariffs have been charged at rates ranging from approximately $1.1 to $1.5 per kWh. The sale has yielded a total revenue of around $52 million to the Government.
(2) The Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1 (I·PARK1) is expected to commence operation this year. The aforementioned existing arrangement will apply to I·PARK1. Upon full operation of I·PARK1, apart from generating electricity for its daily operation, it is estimated that approximately 480 million kWh of surplus electricity can be exported to the power grid each year.
(4) Under the framework of the SCAs, the power companies have provided the energy saving rebate scheme and concessionary tariff schemes to offer discounts in the electricity bills to low consumption customers and customers in need, thereby encouraging energy saving and reducing their expenditure on electricity tariff. In addition, through programmes under their respective Community Energy Saving Fund and Smart Power Care Fund, the power companies would assist the disadvantaged in alleviating their expenses on electricity tariff, including the provision of cash subsidies to eligible grassroots families and households of sub-divided units. The Government will continue to encourage the power companies to provide assistance for customers in need having regard to their operating situations. Issued at HKT 11:55
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ14: Enticing international online celebrity to visit Hong Kong Question:
It has been reported that earlier on, an internationally renowned online celebrity live-streamed his activities on YouTube, a video-sharing website, during his visit to Hong Kong, attracting a large number of local and overseas fans to follow him physically, and the number of viewers of the relevant live streams has exceeded 10 million, thus bringing to Hong Kong international exposure that can hardly be ignored. There are views that online celebrities’ “decentralised and spontaneous high-profile events” of this kind enable viewers around the world to see the daily street situations in Hong Kong in real time, which is in line with the concept of “Tourism is everywhere in Hong Kong”. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) as it has been reported that massive crowds of people were drawn by the aforesaid online celebrity when he was doing the live streams, whether the authorities will formulate plans to assist in maintaining public order during similar events in the future; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(2) as there are views that the experience of the aforesaid online celebrity’s visit to Hong Kong attests to the high interactivity and cost-effectiveness of high-traffic online celebrities, whether the authorities will study stepping up efforts to entice them to visit Hong Kong and integrating such events into tourism promotional campaigns; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(3) as it has been reported that the aforesaid online celebrity had earlier on experienced a high-tech tour in Shenzhen, including riding in an amphibious vehicle, watching a robot dance and experiencing a food delivery service by drone, and such activities have demonstrated our country’s high level of technology to the international community, whether the authorities will draw up a list of high-tech projects for visits in Hong Kong to facilitate visits by international high-traffic online celebrities and overseas travellers; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
In respect of the question raised by the Dr Hon Dennis Lam, having consulted the Security Bureau and the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB), the reply is as follows:
(1) The Police have always attached great importance to and endeavoured to maintain public safety and order. Regarding the live webcasting activities conducted by a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) in public places earlier, the Police had been keeping a close watch on the activities and making continuous assessment of the situation. The Police had also taken the initiative to liaise with the team of the KOL, so as to make timely manpower deployment when necessary, with a view to maintaining public safety and order. In case of similar activities in the future, the Police will, as in the past, closely monitor the situation and make timely assessment, and flexibly deploy police manpower to deal with any possible emergencies.
(2) “Seeing is Believing” forms the cornerstone of our strategic approach to showcase Hong Kong’s authentic appeal and diverse tourism offerings. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) consistently invites KOLs, influencers, media, and industry partners from around the world to experience the city’s diverse charm firsthand, so as to promote Hong Kong tourism.
The HKTB has tailor-made a variety of thematic itineraries for these guests, covering Chinese and Western arts, pop culture, water and harbour experiences, traditional festivities, gastronomy and outdoor exploration. This aims to create positive word-of-mouth through their personal experiences by leveraging their vast influence, with a view to attracting more visitors to come to Hong Kong.
In 2024, the HKTB proactively invited more than 2 600 KOLs, influencers, media and trade partners from different source markets (including the Mainland, Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and long-haul markets) to visit Hong Kong. Counting only KOLs, the HKTB proactively invited over 620 KOLs from local, the Mainland, and overseas markets in 2024 to experience Hong Kong and tell the world the good stories of Hong Kong through their first-hand travel experiences. Collectively, these KOLs have a fan base of approximately 380 million.
The top 10 KOLs invited by the HKTB in 2024 are as follows:
KOLThis year, the HKTB continues to take proactive measures. In the first quarter, the HKTB invited over 650 KOLs, influencers, media, and industry partners to come to Hong Kong to create positive exposure. Particularly during the “Hong Kong Super March”, the HKTB collaborated with nearly 100 KOLs and celebrities from various countries and regions (including the Mainland, Taiwan, the UK, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia), who shared their first-hand experiences on social media, reaching over 50 million followers. Notable participants included South Korean actor Wi Ha-joon, who starred in Netflix’s hit series Squid Game 2, world number one snooker player Judd Trump, Mainland Chinese singer Zhang Yuan, rising Thai stars Boss and Noeul, former British rugby player Ryan Wilson and Indonesian artist Eva Alicia.
Looking ahead, the HKTB will adhere to the strategy of “Seeing is Believing” and invite more globally renowned KOLs, media, and industry representatives to visit Hong Kong, spreading its unique charm worldwide and attracting more visitors to make advance plans to travel to Hong Kong.
The HKTB stands ready to provide appropriate support to KOLs who are interested in visiting and promoting Hong Kong tourism, subject to evaluation of various factors including the size of their fanbase, their social media posts engagement rates, their professional status and image, whether they tie in with the target source markets and marketing strategies, with the aim of leveraging their first-hand experiences to showcase Hong Kong’s unique charm.
(3) According to the ITIB, the Government is dedicated to promoting Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) development by leveraging Hong Kong’s advantages as an international city to foster global I&T collaboration. The two I&T flagships (Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and Cyberport) support tech enterprises to expand their network of collaborative partners in the Mainland and overseas markets as well as liaise with their I&T park enterprises and the I&T sector, actively participate in international or regional conferences and exhibitions, with a view to promoting commercialisation of research and development outcomes as well as the products to both the Mainland and overseas markets.
Regarding the HKTB’s initiative of inviting KOLs, influencers, media, and industry partners to come to Hong Kong and tailor-making a variety of thematic itineraries, the HKTB stands ready to incorporate different elements (including those related to technology) into the itineraries to showcase Hong Kong’s characteristics, thereby promoting Hong Kong’s appeal and attracting more visitors to come to Hong Kong. Issued at HKT 11:55
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The National Security Department (NSD) of the Hong Kong Police Force took enforcement actions and arrested a 22-year-old man in Kowloon on April 28 on suspicion of committing “knowingly publishing publications that had a seditious intention” in contravention of Section 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.
The investigation revealed that the arrested man was suspected of repeatedly publishing posts with seditious intentions on online social platforms, with content provoking hatred, contempt or disaffection against the fundamental system of the state established by the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China, inciting any person to attempt to procure the alteration, otherwise than by lawful means, of any matter established in accordance with the law by the Central Authorities in relation to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR); or any matter established in accordance with the law in the HKSAR, and inciting any other person to do an act that does not comply with the law of the HKSAR or that does not obey an order issued under the law of the HKSAR.
NSD has officially laid charge against the man with one count of “knowingly publishing publications that had a seditious intention”. The case will be mentioned at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts this afternoon (April 30).
Police remind members of the public that “knowingly publishing publications that had a seditious intention” is a serious crime. Offenders shall be liable to imprisonment for seven years on first conviction. Members of the public are urged not to defy the law.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Carmen Kan and a written reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (April 30):
Question:
The Government has indicated in the 2024 Policy Address that it will continue to promote waste reduction and recycling, including expanding the community recycling network, and reviewing the tender arrangements and requirements for the GREEN@COMMUNITY project to enhance its cost-effectiveness and improve service quality. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) given that, under the 2024 Legislative Programme, the Government plans to amend the Waste Disposal Ordinance (Cap. 354) to require the property management companies and owners’ organisations of major housing estates and single-block residential buildings with relatively large number of flats (the property management sector) to separately collect common types of recyclables and pass them to downstream recyclers for processing, but the relevant legislative proposals have yet to be submitted to this Council, and the Promotion of Recycling and Proper Disposal of Products (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2025 (the Bill), which involves amendments to Chapter 354, does not include the aforesaid legislative proposals, of the reasons for that; whether the Government has assessed the impact of its failure to implement the aforesaid legislative proposals on the effectiveness of its efforts to expand the community recycling network as indicated in the 2024 Policy Address; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(2) given that the Waste Reduction and Recycling Charter (the Charter) was launched in June last year for private residential premises to enhance residents’ awareness of recycling, of the following information on the signing of the Charter by management groups of private residential premises each month since its launch (set out in a table): the number of private residential premises involved (and their proportion to the total number of private residential premises in Hong Kong), the number of households involved, and the recycling data for such premises; whether the authorities have studied the reasons why some management groups of private residential premises have not signed the Charter, and when legally-binding waste reduction and recycling regulatory measures will be implemented for the property management sector based on the implementation experience of the Charter;
(3) given that the plastic shopping bag (PSB) charge under the existing Plastic Shopping Bag Charging Scheme (the Charging Scheme) is retained and handled by business operators on their own, whether the authorities have required business operators to submit information on the number of PSBs distributed and the amounts of income involved for each of the past five years (i.e. 2020-2021 to 2024-2025); if so, of the relevant annual data, with a tabulated breakdown by business sectors; if not, the reasons for that;
(4) given that the fixed penalty under the current Charging Scheme can be paid via electronic platforms (e.g. the Faster Payment System), and taking into account the current fiscal position of the Government, whether the authorities will consider adjusting the policy and drawing on the practice of penalty payment to allow members of the public to pay the PSB charge to the Government directly via electronic payment methods; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(5) given that, based on the information provided by the Government in response to my question regarding the Estimates of Expenditure for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the operating expenditure of the GREEN@COMMUNITY project has increased annually, with the budget for 2025-2026 being $507 million, an increase of 61.98 per cent over the actual expenditure of $313 million in 2023-2024, there are views that the operational model of the project is unsustainable, and the Government has indicated in the 2024 Policy Address that it will review the tender arrangements and requirements for the project to enhance its cost-effectiveness, of the details and specific timetable of the relevant work?
Reply:
President,
The Government continues to vigorously promote waste reduction and recycling, enhance the community recycling network and strengthen public education to promote a green culture of waste reduction and recycling in our society. The recycling network, comprising the Programme on Source Separation of Waste and GREEN@COMMUNITY, has reached a coverage over 90 per cent of the population in Hong Kong. The various waste reduction and recycling initiatives implemented have achieved encouraging results to date. The current-term Government has reversed the rising trend of waste disposal amount. The daily average quantity of municipal solid waste (MSW) disposed of at landfills has consistently declined for three consecutive years since 2021. The daily quantity of MSW disposed of at landfills decreased from 11 358 tonnes in 2021 to 10 510 tonnes in 2024, amounting to a total reduction of 7.5 per cent.
The reply to the question raised by the Hon Carmen Kan is as follows:
(1) and (2) Having consulted the property management trade and owners’ organisations, we consider that prior to implementing legislation to regulate separation and recycling of domestic waste, it would be appropriate to further promote participation of residential premises and increase the quantity and variety of domestic waste recycling facilities by way of enhancing publicity and public education first. In this connection, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) launched the Waste Reduction and Recycling Charter (the Charter) in June 2024 to encourage private residential premises (PRPs) to set up more waste separation and recycling facilities which are easily accessible within the premises. In addition to the collection of common types of recyclables including paper, metals and plastics, the signees of the Charter are required to collect glass containers, beverage cartons and food waste, and ensure that the collected recyclables are handed over to downstream recyclers. The signees are also obligated to maintain delivery records of various types of recyclables and regularly publish recycling data for residents’ information with a view to enhancing the performance management of recyclables and instilling residents’ confidence in the practice of waste separation and recycling. The Charter has received very positive feedbacks from the housing estates. In about nine months, as at the first quarter of 2025, 858 PRPs have already signed the Charter, covering about 740 000 households, representing about 40 per cent of the total number of households in PRPs with property management companies/owners’ corporations/residents’ organisations across the territory. About 2 000 waste separation and recycling facilities have been set up additionally. According to the preliminary data, the average recovery rate per household participating in the Charter is showing an increasing trend.
The number of signees of the Charter by quarter is tabulated below:
Quarter for signing the Charter
Number of PRPs signing the Charter
Number of households in PRPs signing the Charter
Percentage of households in PRPs with property management companies/owners’ corporations/residents’ organisations
Q3 2024
215
168 597
9.5 per cent
Q4 2024
480
409 019
23.0 per cent
Q1 2025
163
163 020
9.2 per cent
Total
858
740 636
41.7 per cent
The EPD will continue to encourage more PRPs to join the Charter through various channels such as publicity at district level and engagement with property management sector, in order to provide enhanced recycling facilities for more members of the public. Some PRPs have reflected that they have not joined the Charter due to inadequate space. The EPD will continue to maintain communication with these premises and explore whether we could offer any assistance.
(3) and (4) During the initial phase of the Plastic Shopping Bag (PSB) Charging Scheme from 2009 to 2015, retailers subject to the regulation were required to submit returns and remit their levy income to the Government on a quarterly basis. When the Scheme was extended to cover the entire retail sector in 2015, the Government decided to adopt a “retention” approach after public consultation, under which retailers are allowed to retain and handle the PSB charges on their own without the need of remitting to the Government or submitting returns, so as to reduce the administrative burden and compliance costs on small and medium enterprises. Following the implementation of the Enhanced Scheme on December 31, 2022, the number of PSBs disposed of in 2023 decreased significantly by around 31.5 per cent compared to that in 2022, among which the flat-top bags disposed of dropped by more than 60 per cent alone. In view of the effectiveness of the Enhanced Scheme, the EPD so far has no plan to adjust the existing mode of operation. As retailers are not required to remit the PSB charges to the Government, the EPD does not have the figures of PSBs distributed by retailers or the PSB charges involved in the past five years.
(5) As mentioned above, the EPD is continuously expanding the community recycling network GREEN@COMMUNITY to strengthen the recycling facilities at district level. The number of GREEN@COMMUNITY public collection points has notably increased from around 250 in 2023 to over 800 at present. These include 12 Recycling Stations focusing on both environmental education and recycling support, 82 Recycling Stores located in close proximity to clusters of single-block buildings or set up in public rental housing (PRH) estates, around 600 Recycling Spots, and over 100 sets of smart recycling bins. As the 50 Recycling Stores set up in PRH estates mainly commenced operation progressively in the first half of 2024, their expenditures were not reflected in 2023-24. Together with an increase in some 470 Recycling Spots thereafter, the estimated operating expenditure of 2025-26 increases to some extent compared to that of 2023-24. However, the quantity of recyclables collected by GREEN@COMMUNITY has been continuously increasing remarkably at the same time from around 26 900 tonnes in 2023 to around 41 800 tonnes in 2024, with a year-on-year increase of nearly 60 per cent. The quantity of recyclables collected in the first quarter of 2025 was around 11 270 tonnes, representing a further increase compared to the same period last year.
To enhance the overall cost-effectiveness and sustainability of the operation of GREEN@COMMUNITY, the EPD is reviewing the tender arrangements and requirements for GREEN@COMMUNITY facilities. For example, in the tendering for the follow-on contracts of 12 Recycling Stores conducted early this year, different types of operators (including private enterprises) have been included, with a view to reducing cost through enhanced competition. The EPD will also relocate some of the Recycling Stores to suitable government facilities and make greater use of smart recycling devices to gradually transform the operation of Recycling Stores into self-service recycling facilities, so as to reduce the rental expenses and operating costs. The EPD will review the operation of GREEN@COMMUNITY from time to time and adjust the service arrangements as necessary, with a view to enhancing its cost-effectiveness.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Holden Chow and a written reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (April 30):
Question:
It is learnt that the Government commenced the rural trunk sewerage project in Kam Tin Heung (the trunk sewerage project) in as early as 2006, and the private housing courts completed in the vicinity have already been connected to the trunk sewer. However, there have yet to be any public sewer connection works carried out for quite a number of the villages under the Kam Tin Rural Committee, causing great distress to the villagers over the years. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the following information on the villages under the Kam Tin Rural Committee in relation to public sewer connection works (set out in a table): (i) the names of the villages where public sewer connection works have been completed or are being carried out, (ii) the titles of the relevant works projects as well as the time required/estimated for completing the works, and (iii) the names of the villages where no public sewer connection works have been carried out;
(2) among the villages mentioned in (1)(iii) where no public sewer connection works have been carried out, of a list of those villages for which the authorities have plans to carry out such works, as well as the locations and commencement dates of such works (set out in a table);
(3) of the commencement and completion dates of the trunk sewerage project, as well as the shortest distance for laying a sewer to connect to the trunk sewer from Kam Tin Heung; and
(4) as it is learnt that in 2016, the Kam Tin Rural Committee made a request for improvement of the sewerage system of Kam Tin Heung, as well as proposed to lay sewers to connect to the aforesaid trunk sewer, whether the authorities will carry out such works for Kam Tin Heung; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
The Government has all along been allocating resources with a view to taking forward the Village Sewerage Programme (the Programme) to progressively provide public sewerage facilities in village areas for improving rural environment and enhancing the water quality of rivers and coastal waters. Currently, the sewerage systems for 17 village areas in Yuen Long district have been completed.
The Government’s consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Holden Chow is as follows:
(1) and (2) The Programme currently covers nine village areas in Kam Tin, Yuen Long. Among them, the Drainage Services Department commenced the village sewerage works for part of Kam Tin Shi in 2020 and completed the works in 2024, while the investigation study for the sewerage systems of the other eight village areas has been completed. Relevant information is tabulated below:
Progress
No. of village areas
Names of project and village areas
Sewerage works completed
1
Village sewerage at Kam Tin Shi, Kam Tin – Kam Tin Shi (part)
Investigation study completed
8
Village sewerage for Kam Tin, Yuen Long (Stage 1) – Ha Ko Po, Ko Po San Tsuen, Ko Po Tsuen (Kam Tin), Tsz Tong Tsuen (Kam Tin), Wing Lung Wai, Kam Tin San Tsuen, Tai Hong Wai and Kat Hing Wai
Given the large number of village areas scattered over an extensive area in Yuen Long district, the Government will take into account various factors, including level of improvement to the environment by the Programme, density of village population, preference of residents, technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness and financial position, to plan relevant works for the remaining village areas in Kam Tin in a timely manner.
(3) and (4) The works project of Kam Tin trunk sewers commenced in 2005. However, due to a lack of consensus among stakeholders and congestion of underground utilities along the route, parts of the trunk sewers of the Kam Tin village sewerage were not completed concurrently upon project completion in 2011. Nevertheless, the constructed trunk sewers are still available for connection to the aforementioned village areas in Kam Tin. In general, the distance for laying branch sewer to connect to trunk sewer is considered during the detailed design stage of individual village sewerage projects.
The Government will continue to strengthen communication with stakeholders such as District Councils, Rural Committees, and village representatives for the orderly planning and implementation of the village sewerage projects. Residents in village areas yet to be provided with public sewerage at present, including some remote and sparsely populated villages, can continue to use on-site sewage treatment facilities such as septic tanks and soakaway systems to treat their sewage.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Chan Hoi-yan and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (April 30):
Question:
​It has been reported that the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has progressively established more pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets in recent years. However, some members of the public have relayed that the hygiene conditions and locations of such facilities are unsatisfactory, and that the ancillary facilities are inadequate with some already damaged. Furthermore, most other recreation and leisure facilities under the LCSD, including public bathing beaches and holiday camps, still prohibit the entry of animals. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the number of complaints received by the Government in each of the past five years involving the use of pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets, and the three most common types of these complaints together with their respective numbers;
(2) of the respective numbers of pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets that the LCSD (i) has currently established and (ii) plans to establish in the coming three years in the various districts throughout the territory (and their proportions in the total number of LCSD gardens and parks in the respective districts), and the respective land areas of such gardens and parks (and their proportions in the total areas of LCSD gardens and parks in the respective districts), together with a breakdown by the 18 districts across the territory; whether the LCSD will proactively examine the demand for such gardens and parks in the various districts with a view to setting the relevant targets and a timetable for their establishment;
(3) of the conditions and minimum standards set by the LCSD in relation to the size, facilities and management, etc. of pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets when they are established; the guidelines and requirements put in place by the LCSD to govern the management of these gardens and parks by outsourced management companies, such as the daily frequency of emptying dog excreta collection bins and the time taken to repair damaged facilities;
(4) of the number of complaints received by the Government in each of the past five years involving the bringing of pets into the various recreation and leisure facilities (including public bathing beaches and holiday camps) under the LCSD, and the number of enforcement actions taken in this regard;
(5) whether the LCSD will, by drawing on the experience of establishing pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets, consider creating pet-friendly spaces in facilities under its management, such as public bathing beaches and holiday camps; if so, of the details and implementation timetable; if not, the factors to be considered; and
(6) given that the arrangement to establish Inclusive Parks for Pets has been regularised for four years, when the LCSD plans to review the effectiveness of implementing the pet-inclusive concept in parks and assess the long-term feasibility of completely lifting the ban on allowing pets to enter parks and gardens?
Reply:
President,
My reply to the question raised by the Hon Chan Hoi-yan is as follows:
(1) The number of complaints received by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) involving the use of pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets in the past five years are as follows:
Year
Number of complaints received (cases)
2020
82
2021
287
2022
858
2023
1 029
2024
695
Among the above complaints, the three most common categories are environmental hygiene (1 348 cases), venue facilities (383 cases), as well as relevant policies and arrangements such as requests for or objections to the establishment of more pet gardens or Inclusive Parks for Pets (352 cases).
(2) As at March 2025, the LCSD has set up a total of 55 pet gardens and 180 Inclusive Parks for Pets in the 18 districts across Hong Kong. Information on the number of LCSD parks and playgrounds, the number of pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets, as well as the proportion of these facilities in the total number and site area of LCSD parks and playgrounds by district are set out at the Annex.
The LCSD keeps an open mind and opens up its venues as pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets proactively, and will duly review public feedback. The LCSD plans to set up a total of over 20 additional pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets in the 18 districts across Hong Kong in the next three years. The proposed addition of pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets is subject to the support of relevant District Councils. Hence, the actual number and site areas are yet to be confirmed. More information will be released by the LCSD in due course when more concrete details of the plan are available.
(3) Pet gardens, which are for exclusive use by pets, are normally equipped with fences and double pet gates at entrances/exits to prevent pets from getting lost. Pets are allowed to move around freely in the venues without leashes. At present, the newly provided pet gardens under the LCSD normally cover an area of no less than 400 square metres, and are equipped with ancillary facilities (e.g. dog excreta collection bins/dog latrines and hand-washing facilities) for owners or their pets. Subject to the actual environment, some pet gardens are even furnished with lawns, drinking fountains and play equipment, etc. for exclusive use by pets. Separate areas for large/small pets are also designated in some of the pet gardens where feasible, with a view to catering to the varying needs of the users and their pets.
Inclusive Parks for Pets are not designed for exclusive use by pets. The concept is to allow members of the public to bring their pets to the parks and share the passive leisure facilities therein with other users. To facilitate the shared use of park facilities among different users, the LCSD will make minimal changes to the existing environment and facilities of the parks, and require owners to keep their pets leashed in the venues. In addition, depending on the actual environment and needs, additional basic ancillary facilities, such as dog excreta collection bins/dog latrines and hand-washing facilities will also be provided in the venues for the convenience of pet owners.
To ensure the cleanliness and hygiene of venues, cleansing service contractors will arrange frontline cleansing staff to conduct regular cleaning in accordance with the contractual requirements and actual operational needs. In general, frontline cleansing staff will empty the dog excreta collection bins daily, and step up the cleansing frequency in view of the actual operational needs. LCSD staff will also carry out regular inspections of various facilities in the pet gardens and Inclusive Parks for Pets. If the facilities are found to be damaged, the LCSD will request the works departments or arrange for contractors to carry out repair works as soon as possible. The time taken to repair damaged facilities depends on individual circumstances and the parts involved, making it difficult to generalise.
(4) The number of complaints received by the LCSD about pets being brought into leisure facilities by members of the public and the number of prosecutions instigated by the LCSD in this regard in the past five years (from 2020 to 2024) are as follows:
Year
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Total
Number of complaints
114
120
114
167
211
726
Number of prosecutions
1
0
5
2
1
9
(5) Unlike passive parks or leisure facilities that are generally open for public use, holiday camps mainly provide venues for active recreation and sports activities such as archery ranges, rope courses, and sports climbing walls for campers. Water sports centres are also active recreation facilities, and among which, the water sports training venues comprise various zones for coaching, equipment assembling/disassembling and on-land practice etc. Pet-friendly spaces, if added, may hinder the flow and procedures of training, and even affect the safety of venue users and pets. In addition, the public beaches under the LCSD are mainly for members of the public to engage in recreation activities such as swimming, sand sculpting and sunbathing etc. Allowing pets on beaches will lead to hygiene issues such as the excreta of pets on beaches, which are more difficult to manage and may affect other users. Therefore, the LCSD does not consider the provision of pet-friendly spaces at venues such as public beaches, water sports centres and holiday camps currently.
(6) At present, members of the public have varying views and levels of acceptance regarding whether pets should be allowed in LCSD venues. The LCSD has to consider the actual environment as well as views and needs of members of the public, balance environmental hygiene and public health issues and consult the District Councils concerned before ascertaining whether to open up existing venues to pets or designate newly constructed venues as pet gardens or Inclusive Parks for Pets.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Lai Tung-kwok and a written reply by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, in the Legislative Council today (April 30):
Question:
The Government has announced that it will reduce the civil service establishment by two per cent each year in 2026-2027 and 2027-2028, based on the establishment of the preceding financial year. Together with the civil service establishment reduced under the zero-growth policy for the civil service establishment implemented since 2021-2022, about 10 000 posts are expected to be deleted from the civil service establishment by April 1, 2027, within the term of the current Government. In addition, since March 31, 2021, there has been a cumulative reduction of around 2 000 posts in the civil service establishment, of which about 1 200 posts have been reduced between 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the cumulative number of posts in the civil service establishment that have been deleted since the current Government’s term of office;
(2) of the changes in the civil service establishment of policy bureaux/government departments/offices since the current Government’s term of office;
(3) as the authorities have indicated that the two per cent reduction in the civil service establishment in 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 will be achieved by treating each policy bureau and its subordinate government departments as a unit and reducing their total establishment by a uniform percentage, of the total establishment of each policy bureau and the government departments under its purview at present;
(4) whether, in conjunction with the reduction of the civil service establishment, the authorities will engage outsourced contract staff or non-civil service contract staff to maintain staffing levels; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(5) given that the Government is actively implementing computerisation to increase efficiency, whether the Government will study the abolition of obsolete grades or further reduction of posts; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
Regarding the question raised by the Hon Lai Tung-kwok, the consolidated reply is as follows:
To ensure the sustainability of public finances, the civil service establishment (Note) has maintained zero-growth since 2021-22 with the overall establishment controlled at a level not exceeding that as at end-March 2021 (about 196 000 posts). It does not mean there is no growth in the establishment of each bureau/department (B/D), which may still increase having regard to operational needs and with full justifications. Posts no longer required for operation will be deleted. It is anticipated that by March 31, 2026, the civil service establishment will have a reduction by approximately 3 000 posts on a cumulative basis. The current Government’s term of office commenced in July 2022. The change in the civil service establishment by bureaux/departments/offices and the total establishment of each bureau and its departments in 2022-23 and 2025-26 are set out in Annex.
To optimise the use of manpower resources and to control public expenditure, the 2025-26 Budget proposed that the Government will reduce the civil service establishment by two per cent each in 2026-27 and 2027-28 basing on the establishment of the preceding financial year. Together with the civil service establishment reduced under the civil service establishment zero-growth policy implemented before 2026-27 by this term of Government, about 10 000 posts are expected to be deleted from the overall civil service establishment by April 1, 2027 within the current-term Government.
The Government will reduce the establishment on a bureau basis, reducing the total establishment of each bureau and its departments by an across-the-board percentage (i.e. two per cent each in 2026-27 and 2027-28). The reduction rates within a bureau and its departments need not be standardised. A bureau can determine the civil service posts to be deleted and ranks combination after itself and its departments have considered factors like the overall service demand, operational needs and vacancy situations, etc. The resources saved will be counted towards the two per cent savings of the recurrent expenditure of the B/Ds concerned for the respective financial years under the Government’s Productivity Enhancement Programme (PEP).
Under the PEP, B/Ds adopt the most suitable mode of public service delivery, like employing civil servants or non-civil service contract (NCSC) staff, or service outsourcing, having regard to such factors as operational needs, financial resources, service nature and effectiveness, etc. At the same time, B/Ds adopt management measures and digitalisation with a view to enhancing efficiency and optimising the use of manpower resources through reprioritisation, internal redeployment, streamlining of work processes and application of technology, such that high-quality public services will continue to be provided to the citizens, while the civil service establishment is being streamlined in parallel. If B/Ds adopt methods of public service delivery that incur additional expenditure, such as employing NCSC staff or service outsourcing, they must bear in mind that their recurrent expenditure will be reduced by two per cent in the respective financial years under the PEP and they should spend within their means.
The Government will continue to monitor from time to time whether the manpower requirements and functions of different grades and ranks need adjustments due to the changes in operations or circumstances, or due to technology application. For individual grades, if their future manpower needs are uncertain, such as those with surplus staff or those undergoing institutional reviews, they will be classified as “Controlled Grades”. These grades require the approval of the Civil Service Bureau before conducting recruitment exercises, which is not lightly granted unless they have clear prospect for development and the demand for manpower is obvious and certain. Besides, B/Ds will also delete posts which are no longer required for their operations. For grades that no longer have any establishment and strength, we will seek the approval of the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council for deletion of those grades in due course.
Note: The civil service establishment does not include (i) Judges and Judicial Officers, (ii) Independent Commission Against Corruption officers and (iii) locally engaged staff of overseas Economic and Trade Offices.