Nasheed explained that during his recent visit to Maafushi, serious concerns were raised regarding dredging practices in the Fushidhiggaru shallow. He noted that the uncontrolled spread of sediment is causing significant harm to surrounding coral reefs. He reiterated that while development in the Maldives often involves land reclamation and dredging, it is vital that contractors strictly follow the government’s Dredging and Reclamation Regulations and comply with the Environmental Impact Assessment framework. He again stressed that the government bears responsibility for ensuring all such activities are conducted in full compliance with regulations and that enforcement is consistent, transparent, and effective.
Reclamation work ongoing at Fushidhiggaru lagoon
Former President Mohamed Nasheed has stressed that the government’s ongoing land reclamation project in Fushidhiggaru lagoon is causing significant damage to nearby coral reefs.
Taking to social media platform ‘X’ on Thursday, Nasheed wrote that concerns about the issue were also raised by various parties during his recent visit to Maafushi island of Kaafu atoll.
Concerns were previously expressed by multiple stakeholders that government-led land reclamation and dredging projects are being carried out without adequate consideration of environmental impacts. It has also been highlighted that some reclamation projects began without conducting the legally required Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Although the government has denied these allegations, EIA reports for certain projects were not made public at the time those projects commenced.
Nasheed stated that the failure to properly control silt is resulting in serious damage to surrounding coral reefs. He noted that while land reclamation and dredging are necessary for the development of the Maldives, it is essential that all contractors strictly comply with the government’s established regulations governing dredging and reclamation. He further stressed that all conditions specified in the EIA reports must be fully implemented.
In the same post, Nasheed tagged Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim and emphasized that it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that such projects are carried out in accordance with regulations. He also underscored that enforcement of these regulations must be transparent.
Available information indicates that 41 hectares of land have so far been reclaimed under the government’s project to create an island named ‘Ras Malé’ through the reclamation of Fushidhiggaru lagoon, accounting for 30 percent of the total work.
Land reclamation for Ras Malé Site A began on 1 December 2025. The project is being undertaken using the Cristóbal Colón, one of the world’s largest trailing suction hopper dredgers, which has a capacity of 46,000 cubic meters. The dredger is operated by the Belgian company Jan De Nul.
As concerns mount over damage to nearby reefs caused by the Fushidhiggaru lagoon reclamation, issues related to waste disposal during the Hulhumalé Phase III reclamation project have also surfaced. Although President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has denied these claims, videos showing large amounts of waste on land and in the sea in the area have since circulated.
