Visitors allowed to enter Ungulu with permit, council announces
The council had earlier restricted access to residents of Ungoofaaru, individuals married to residents, and their children.
The R. Ungoofaaru Island Council has revised its decision on access to Ungulu, allowing visitors from other islands to enter with prior permission.
The council had earlier restricted access to residents of Ungoofaaru, individuals married to residents, and their children. The decision was announced on Tuesday.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the council said that until a permanent management policy is finalised, Ungulu will be open to visitors on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., subject to conditions.
Applicants must submit requests through a designated online form before 10:00 a.m. on Thursdays. Approved applicants will receive permit notifications via Viber before the end of official hours on the same day.
The council stated that visitors collecting coconuts must provide one out of every four coconuts to the council. Only fallen coconuts may be collected, and climbing trees or using tools for harvesting is not permitted.
According to the council, coconuts collected under this arrangement will be sold at MVR 5 on Ungulu and MVR 7 in Ungoofaaru.
Screwpine will be sold at MVR 100 per bunch. Other items, including mangroves, palm fronds and sea almonds, may be kept by those who collect them.
The council stated that cutting trees or vegetation is prohibited and called on visitors to maintain cleanliness on the island.
It also warned that unauthorised entry is not permitted and that legal action will be taken against those who enter without approval.
Ungulu was previously inhabited, with its population relocated to R. Hulhudhuffaaru in 1993.
