Minister silent on growing environmental concerns as Ras Malé reclamation faces backlash

Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim, serving under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, has maintained silence in response to growing concerns over environmental damage caused by the ongoing Ras Malé reclamation project, also known as the Fushidhiggaru Lagoon project.

Despite repeated inquiries from RaajjeMV regarding the number of environmental complaints received and whether any regulatory actions have been taken against the contractor, Minister Thoriq has refused to respond to messages and has avoided answering phone calls.

A local environmental expert, speaking anonymously, recently alleged that the Belgian company Jan De Nul is carrying out the reclamation without adequate environmental safeguards. The expert pointed out that while large dredgers are depositing sand in the Ras Malé area, no measures have been taken to control siltation or sediment runoff onto the surrounding reefs. The expert warned that this neglect would lead to irreversible damage to the coral reefs and marine biodiversity in the region.

The expert also criticized recent amendments made by the Muizzu administration to the regulations governing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports, arguing that these reports have become little more than a formality. He explained that, previously, EIAs adhered to internationally recognized standards, but now, several mandatory stages in the process have been made optional. He further noted that there is currently no oversight for government-led projects, leaving officials powerless even when formal complaints are lodged.

Environmental advocates have expressed deep concern that, while the project is expected to generate millions of dollars for the Belgian firm, no visible investment has been made in environmental mitigation measures. They emphasized that these precautions were absent from the outset of the project. Despite the reclamation of around 100 hectares of land, no public environmental monitoring reports have been issued.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has also raised concerns, highlighting that the reclamation of Fushidhiggaru Lagoon is causing substantial damage to neighboring reefs. He stressed the importance of strictly enforcing the mitigation measures outlined in the EIA reports. In a social media post, tagging Minister Thoriq, Nasheed reminded the government of its responsibility to ensure that all such projects comply with regulations, urging that enforcement be done transparently and with accountability.

Public discontent has also been evident through protests. Last December, residents of Maafushi demonstrated against the extraction of sand from areas near their island for the Ras Malé project.

Alongside concerns about Ras Malé, new allegations have surfaced regarding the dumping of waste during the reclamation of Hulhumalé Phase III. Despite Muizzu’s denial of these claims, videos showing large amounts of waste on both land and water in the area have since circulated online, further fueling public concern.