Living in Singapore, I've always appreciated the clean rivers and ponds around the city, but I never knew the history behind this transformation until recently. Back in the 1960s, Singapore's rapid development caused mangrove destruction and severe water pollution, wiping out local otter populations that once roamed the island freely. I learned that the turning point came with the Clean River Campaign in the 1970s. Spearheaded by dedicated individuals and supported by government initiatives, Singapore implemented a comprehensive sewerage system and enforced strict anti-pollution laws. Over a decade, polluting industries were removed, riverbeds dredged, and water quality steadily improved. As a result, fish returned to the waterways, and in the early 1990s, otters started making a comeback, delighting residents and becoming a symbol of nature's resilience. Today, it's common to see playful otters in urban wetlands like Sungei Buloh, a testament to Singapore’s successful environmental restoration. This story resonates with me as it shows how collective care and responsible policies can restore natural habitats, even in densely populated cities. If you visit Singapore, take a moment to appreciate how much effort and care went into creating the clean waters and lively ecosystems we often take for granted.