Boahura removed from tourism island lease list
The inclusion of Bohra in the first announced list raised concerns not only by the residents of Muli but also by some NGOs working to protect the environment.
By
Ahmed Mizyal
Tourism ministry on Wednesday re-announced the islands for auction for tourism development after removing M. Boahura from the 15 islands announced by the Ministry at first.
On January 23, the tourism ministry opened bids for the development of resorts in 15 islands and lagoons, including Boahura, one of the most popular destinations in the Maldives.
The inclusion of Boahura in the list has irked environmental advocacy organisations as well as surfers in the area. There was also a campaign on social media called 'Save Boahura'.
Amid concerns raised by many, the tourism ministry on Wednesday revised and re-announced the documentation of the bid. The major changes brought about was the removal of Boahura from the list as per what the public had been demanding.
An information clarification meeting scheduled for February 6 has also been postponed to February 7. The reason is that February 6 is a public holiday for the presidential address.
According to the tourism ministry's announcement, the acquisition cost of the islands or the starting price offered by the island's recipients ranges between USD 200,000 and USD 2.3 million. Thus:
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The starting price is highest for a total of 20 hectares of land released from Nilandhoo lagoon; the starting price is USD 2.3 million
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The lowest price for H.Dh. Kudafarufasgandu; the starting price of the 1.20-hectare island is USD 200,000
The inclusion of Bohra in the first announced list raised concerns not only by the residents of Muli but also by some NGOs working to protect the environment.
On January 25, the Ministry of Tourism issued a statement in response to the criticism over the opening up of a resort in Boahura. The statement said:
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While developing the resort, the surfpoint near Bohura will not be disturbed or included
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Even if the resort is developed in the island, a site management plan is being prepared so that the public and tourists can use the surfpoint
Boahura:
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Was declared a part of Muli in 2016
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Muli Council decided the same year to develop the area as a tourism zone
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Boahura is one of the islands to be allotted for tourism in 2019
