Maldivian islands are being depopulated at an unprecedented rate, a trend that could lead to the people losing their grip on the nation: Nasheed

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has stated that the islands of the Maldives are becoming unusually deserted, warning that this trend could lead to the people losing their grip on the nation.

During a meeting with the residents of Maafannu on Sunday night, Nasheed stated that the primary grievances of Male' citizens have always been the housing crisis and the issue of urban congestion. Nasheed further noted that while these complaints are frequently heard in the capital, local island councils express similar concerns that are closely linked to the situation in Male'.

Referring to the current situation in the Maldives, Nasheed noted that the country's islands are gradually becoming depopulated, describing it as a significant and concerning issue. He further stated that this trend would hinder the economic prosperity of the Maldivian people.

Highlighting that the Maldives is an archipelago composed of distinct atolls, Nasheed criticized the current administration for its decision to dissolve the atoll-based administrative structure. He noted that the abolition of these atolls would lead to significant changes across the country.

For instance, I recently returned from a visit to Kinbidhoo in Thaa Atoll. Currently, there is no Grade 1 class there due to a lack of students. Next year, there will be no Grade 2; the year after, Grade 3 will vanish, followed by Grade 4. Eventually, Kinbidhoo itself will cease to exist. Our islands are being depopulated and are disappearing at an alarming rate. This is a matter of grave concern. Members of the Kinbidhoo Council informed me that providing 65 families from the island the opportunity to settle in Malé is what is causing the community to become completely deserted. It has become the policy of successive governments to centralize the entire population near Malé, effectively dismantling the rest of the country and stripping away our identity as an archipelago. As you are aware, Atoll Councils have already been abolished, meaning we are losing our atolls entirely.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed

Furthermore, Nasheed stated that the current administration's policies are inconsistent, alleging that their objective is to congest the population by relocating citizens to Male' or its surrounding areas. He questioned the purpose behind the extensive land reclamation projects being carried out on various inhabited islands, given this apparent centralization strategy.

Nasheed cited Gaadhiffushi in Thaa Atoll as an example. He noted that the island is inhabited by a very small population.

Nasheed stated that the public must reflect on these matters and take a stand for the sake of the nation.