HDC warns removal of vessels anchored at Thilafushi, Gulhifalhu
According to HDC, regulations have been framed on how to collect vessels anchored in the lagoons of the two islands without permission.
By
Mariyam Umna Ismail
HDC has formulated and implemented a set of regulations to remove unlicensed marine vessels from the lagoons of Thilafushi and Gulhifalhu if they are not removed within a month, threatening action if they are not removed from the area.
HDC said in a statement late Thursday night that despite several announcements and time-frames for removing the vessels in the lagoons of the two islands, it has been observed that such vessels have not yet been removed from the area.
Here are the reasons why HDC asked to remove vessels from the area:
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Obstructing the corporation and the government's planned projects in the area
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Inconvenience to users of the area
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The environment in the area is also getting damaged
According to HDC, regulations have been framed on how to collect vessels anchored in the lagoons of the two islands without permission.
"... As per the policy, we are informing that the corporation is making all necessary efforts to identify the vessels that have been left in the lagoon and remove them," HDC said in a statement.
The HDC has asked the public to contact the corporation's hotline 1516 if they have left any vessel or property in the area and to collect it after clearing the information.
Under the policy published by HDC in the Government Gazette on Friday, the corporation has the power to remove or auction the vessels and goods that the company declares to be abandoned in the lagoon if it is not removed from the area. Thus, the corporation exercises this power if:
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The owner will be given a period of seven to 30 days in writing, depending on the status of the vessel; if it is not removed during that period
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If the owner is unknown, if the owner does not take responsibility for the vessel within 30 days of the announcement
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discarded vessels, especially those that are detrimental to public health, which may pose a threat to the environment and are hindrances to the projects to be implemented in that area
