NEWS TODAY 17.05.2026

Singapore can fine you ₹3.5 lakh forpicking up a fallen mango publicly

Singapore can fine you ₹3.5 lakh forpicking up a fallen mango publicly

Picking up a fallen mango from a public tree in Singapore could reportedly land you with a fineof up to SGD5,000 (around ₹3.5 lakh) – a fact that recently shocked Indian social media users.

The debate began after Indian-origin Singapore resident Priyanka Sinha shared on X that fruit bearing trees in public spaces are treated as government property, meaning residents cannot pluckor collect fruits without permission.

The Ministry of National Development (MND) Trees states on its website: “Trees, including their fruit, which are located on State land belong to the State. NParks manages most of the trees on State land. Members of the public who wish to pluck fruit from trees, or collect fruit that has dropped from trees on State land should approach NParks for permission. Those who pluck or collect fruit in a public park without permission can be fined up to $5,000 under the Parks and Trees Act. Those who do so in a nature reserve or a national park can be fined up to $50,000,and/or imprisoned for up to 6 months.”

‘What if our pets helped to collect?’

The internet, naturally, had jokes ready. Many online users compared the situation to India,where roadside fruit trees are often freely accessed by locals. While some joked that such a rule would be impossible to enforce here, others said it reflected Singapore’s strict civic discipline.

One user cheekily asked, “What if our pet animals can help to collect?” Another quickly replied,

“In Singapore, pets are treated as an extension of the owner. If your pet collects fruit from a public tree, you are legally considered to have ‘caused or permitted’ the act.

The existing overbridge will continue to operate alongside the new bridge to help distribute passenger flow.

Southern Railway upgrades Tambaram station amenities at cost of Rs 24 crore

The existing overbridge will continue to operate alongside the new bridge to help distribute passenger flow.

Lifts being erected at Tambaram railway stationPhoto | Express

Express News Service

Updated on:

15 May 2026, 8:39 am

CHENNAI: The Chennai Division of Southern Railway on Thursday announced that passenger amenities at the Tambaram railway station are being upgraded at a cost of Rs 24 crore.

Tambaram railway station handles about 1.67 lakh passengers daily including suburban commuters, long-distance and interstate passengers. As part of the ongoing development works, a new 8m-wide foot overbridge connecting the eastern and western sides of the station, running across all 10 platforms, has been commissioned, according to a statement.

The existing overbridge will continue to operate alongside the new bridge to help distribute passenger flow. To further improve accessibility, work is underway to install nine lifts and 10 escalators across the platforms. The facilities are expected to be commissioned in phases shortly.

According to the statement, continuous train operations pose technical challenges in executing the works. All activities are being carried out in a live operational environment without disrupting train services, requiring phased execution, strict safety measures and coordinated inter-departmental planning.

Work is also underway to improve road access to the new overbridge, develop parking facilities on the western side, as well as install platform shelters and coach guidance boards, added the statement.