EIA report recommends modifications to Hithadhoo land reclamation project

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report on the government’s plan to reclaim land from the northern coast of Hithadhoo in Addu and build a new road has recommended changes to the project, citing environmental risks.

The project was initiated by the Ministry of Construction following a petition submitted by residents of Hithadhoo Mulekede, who raised concerns about the area’s limited land availability, traffic congestion, flooding, and unpleasant odour.

In response, the government decided to dredge an area on the eastern side of Mulekede and construct an additional road. The project involves dredging the north coast of Hithadhoo and fortifying the reclaimed area.

The EIA report noted that while the project aims to address local infrastructure challenges, it poses significant environmental threats. The assessment found that the proposed reclamation area hosts diverse marine and wetland life, including crab and bird species.

According to the report, the project area lies within 200 metres of the Eedhigali Kulhi wetlands and Kotte, both protected areas under the Addu Nature Park and part of the Addu Biosphere Reserve.

The report also highlighted concerns raised by the Addu City Council and local organisations regarding the project’s overall usefulness, cost, and long-term benefits. It noted that while many residents support the project for improving land and transport conditions, an online survey indicated that a significant number opposed its continuation.

The EIA identified several possible environmental impacts:

The report proposed three alternative approaches to mitigate environmental harm. The most viable option, it said, was to reduce the dredging area from the original plan.

This scaled-down approach would:

The report also recommended planting 500 small trees as part of the project’s mitigation efforts, which would mark the first such reforestation initiative in Hithadhoo.

The EIA concluded by urging the government to revise the project in line with its recommendations before proceeding.