Saturday, 21st August – Environment Protection Agency (EPA) had stepped in to intervene the development of Veligandu Island Resort over environmental concerns and protests from neighboring Rasdhoo.
As per the residents of Rasdhoo, the reclamation of Alif Alif atoll Mathiveri which lies close to the resident island, for the development of Veligandu Island Resort is conducted illegally. The resort island is developed by one of the major hotelier company’s in Maldives, Crown and Champa Resorts.
Meanwhile, due to mounting pressure over the environmental complains and the alleged illegality of the reclamation issue, EPA had stepped into order a halt on the development project.
Furthermore, local reports also confirm the reclamation executed at Mathiveri lagoon is to increase the land area for the resort in order to develop housing for the staff and build a harbor.
This has since been challenged by the Rasdhoo Island Council as well as tourism businesses operating at the resident island.
Though the development proceeded with EPA’s stamp of approval, it has since put a halt on the project in order to investigate the complaints regarding damages to the house reef due to movement of sand and mud from the lagoon bed.