HDC uproots thousands of crops belonging to Hanimaadhoo farmers without prior notice to local council while clearing land designated for relocation of Hirimaradhoo residents
The Hanimadhoo Island Council has expressed grave concern after the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) reportedly damaged thousands of trees belonging to local farmers without prior authorization while clearing land to relocate residents from Haa Dhaalu Hirimaradhoo. The Council has ordered an immediate halt to all operations in the area and mandated a comprehensive survey after the unannounced clearing resulted in significant destruction of private property. Emphasizing that all development projects must adhere to legal frameworks and respect citizens' property rights, the Council asserted that such negligence by any state entity is unacceptable.
HDC has uprooted thousands of trees and palms belonging to the residents of Hanimaadhoo without obtaining any permits or providing the required prior notice. | Raajje MV
The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has caused extensive damage to thousands of crops belonging to local farmers in H.Dh. Hanimaadhoo during land clearing operations for a new housing project. The project, intended to facilitate the relocation of residents from H.Dh. Hirimaradhoo to Hanimaadhoo, was reportedly carried out without obtaining the necessary permits or providing prior notice to the affected farmers.
As part of these operations, authorities have encroached upon farmers' property, leveling a significant number of banana trees and palms without providing any form of compensation.
Expressing his grave concern over the matter, Hanimaadhoo Council President Ali Ibrahim stated that the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) carried out the operation without obtaining any authorization from the council. He further described the destruction of the farmers' private property as a reckless act, likening it to scenes from South Indian films where the assets of the vulnerable are destroyed without regard. The Council President noted that although HDC’s survey team had met with the council and provided assurances that no palms would be removed without a prior survey, the reality witnessed was the complete devastation of the farms using heavy machinery.
One of the farmers most severely affected by the incident reported that approximately 1,200 of his banana trees were uprooted using an excavator without any prior notice. It is estimated that more than 8,000 banana trees belonging to various individuals were destroyed across the area. Farmers were not even granted the opportunity to harvest the existing bunches of bananas before the clearing began.
HDC's survey team stated that they were unaware of the fencing and removal of vegetation in the area. However, reports indicate that the project was being carried out by a company called Hero, under a contract awarded by HDC. The City Council has now ordered an immediate halt to all activities in the area.
The Hanimaadhoo Island Council has decided that any further work in the area may only proceed following a comprehensive survey to identify and document the palms, trees, and other assets on the site. The Council further emphasized that the final decision must rest with the residents of Hanimaadhoo, stating that no palms or trees may be transported off the island without explicit council authorization. The Council asserted that regardless of the party involved, all activities must be conducted within the framework of the law and regulations, while maintaining full respect for the property of the island's citizens.
