Sai Kung campsites overcrowded during Lunar New Year holiday, green groups report chaos at Ham Tin Wan

Green groups say over 500 tents flooded Ham Tin Wan and Sai Wan on the second day of the Lunar New Year, exceeding capacity ninefold and causing illegal fires and littering, while the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department insists the situation remains under control with increased patrols and facilities.

Greenpeace reported spotting more than 450 tents at Ham Tin Wan and 135 at Sai Wan on the evening of February 18, far beyond official limits for these large campsites.

They observed illegal fires, scattered rubbish and other suspected breaches of the Country Parks Ordinance, with new bins already overflowing by morning and trash everywhere.

The department stated that since Valentine’s Day it has stepped up patrols and education efforts, added waste collection and stationed toilet attendants at Ham Tin Wan public toilets.

Staff checks before dusk on February 18 and early February 19 found tents confined to designated areas, no major environmental damage, and overall order, facilities and hygiene satisfactory, with campers cooperating.