The removal of large, decades-old trees near the North Harbour shops in Male' has sparked public concern, as roadworks continue on Boduthakurufaanu Magu.
The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) is preparing to complete the first segment of the road and begin widening the second. As part of the work, several trees near the provincial shops have been uprooted, prompting criticism from environmental groups and public figures. Images of the felled trees have circulated widely on social media.
Environmental NGO Bluepeace described the removal of trees near the North Harbour as a tragedy, stating that the road could have been widened without disturbing the greenery.
North Galolhu Councillor Mohamed Saif Fathih also condemned the decision, calling it unacceptable for infrastructure development to come at the cost of environmental protection.
“It’s sad that roads cannot be built without cutting down the few old trees left in the city,” he said.
The central government’s failure to balance infrastructure development with environmental protection is unacceptable.It’s pathetic that roads cannot be built without stripping Malé of its already scarce greenery, uprooting trees older than President @MMuizzu himself.Even more… https://t.co/Fe5M0MTK8a
— Saif Fathih (@aekofathih) December 21, 2025
Former MP Ali Azim said the port area was once shaded by trees planted by the nation’s forefathers to welcome visitors to Male'. “It’s a big mistake to cut down trees in the port and turn it into a hot desert,” he said.
Former Addu MP Rozaina Adam also voiced concern, calling for an end to the widespread removal of trees in the capital. Referring to the trees cut down on Sunday, she said no large trees had been grown in the past five years, and it was a crime to remove the few that remained.
“The leaders will come and go, but we want the trees to stay,” she said.
The Male' City Council and MTCC could not be reached for comment.
Earlier, similar concerns were raised over tree removal during the construction of Ameenee Magu.
More recently, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu asked Villimale' residents to vote by show of hands on whether to remove two trees that were reportedly causing inconvenience. Following public concern, the President pledged to plant 300 trees on the island after removing the two.