Mass fish deaths reported in Milandhoo lagoon following land reclamation for new airport!
Residents of Milandhoo are expressing grave concern as land reclamation for the island's airport project has disrupted lagoon currents, leading to heavy siltation and a massive fish kill. Locals report having to bury large numbers of dead fish daily, while the stagnant water has turned black and emits a foul odor, prompting urgent calls for a permanent solution. Despite widespread social media footage documenting the environmental damage, the island council has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
A large number of fish have died within the lagoon of Milandhoo following land reclamation efforts for the island's airport project. | RaajjeMV
Following the land reclamation project for the Shaviyani Milandhoo airport, a significant portion of the island's lagoon has become heavily silted, leading to a massive fish kill in the area.
Ahmed Shiyam, a former member of the Milandhoo Council, told RaajjeMV that the issue first emerged during the land reclamation phase for the island's airport project. He noted that a significant increase in fish mortality has been observed recently.
Shiyam noted that dead fish are being cleared from the lagoon daily, with five to six large containers of carcasses collected each day. He further stated that the recovered fish are being transported and buried at a designated location on the island.
Shiyam stated that the land reclamation appears to be completely obstructing the natural currents within the lagoon. He explained that this blockage causes sedimentation, water discoloration, and mass fish deaths. He further noted that these issues are exacerbated by seasonal weather changes.
Furthermore, a local resident expressed deep concern over the issue, emphasizing the urgent need for a permanent solution. He noted that the area is plagued by a foul odor of decay, as dead fish continue to surface in the lagoon every day.
Milandhoo Council President Ibrahim Mihadh was unavailable for comment regarding the matter.
A video circulating on social media shows a large number of dead fish floating on the surface of the lagoon in Milandhoo.
The video footage reveals significant discoloration across a large area of the lagoon, with the water turning a deep black. A substantial number of dead fish can also be seen scattered throughout the area.
