The B. Dhonfanu Council has banned diving on the island’s reef following plans to protest at sea as part of the ongoing serial protests by the island’s residents urging the government to proceed with the land reclamation of the island.
On August 13, Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) was awarded a contract to reclaim 13 hectares of land in Dhonfanu, a small island with a population of some 400 people. The agreement was signed during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to the island, and drew criticism from environmental advocates over its implications for Hanifaru Bay, which is among the most important marine habitats in the Maldives and a popular tourist destination.
In a post on X on Tuesday morning, President Muizzu said he has decided to scrap the project in light of public concern over its potential environmental implications.
However, this decision did not sit well with Dhonfanu protest who have been protesting the decision since then.
Dhonfanu Council, via an announcement on Thursday, said plans have been made to conduct serial protest at the sea area under the Council’s jurisdiction which spans 700 meters from the island’s reef.
The Council underscored that it is not safe to snorkel and drive in the area during the protesting hours as there is the possibility of a dangerous incident happening.
As such, the Council has banned diving and snorkeling in the area spanning 700 meters from the island’s reef until the Council instructs otherwise. The Council added that it would seek action from the relevant authorities against individuals found violating the notice.
Speaking with Sun earlier, Abdulla Ahsan, the president of Dhonfanu Council said President Muizzu announced the decision without consulting with the council or people of the island.
When asked about the environmental concerns regarding the project, Ahsan said he acknowledges the concern over potential damage to Hanifaru Bay.
But he said that sedimentation had also affected Hanifaru Bay when neighboring B. Dharavandhoo was dredged for the airport extension project.
When asked for an opinion on relocating to a larger island instead of reclaiming land in Dhonfanu, Ahsan said the council has always supported the concept of relocation in theory.
Housing Minister Dr. Abdulla Muthalib has said that while the land reclamation project has been dropped, the government will be running a harbor development and coastal protection project in Dhonfanu.