Petition to prevent coastal erosion at Dharavandhoo presented to parliament

A petition calling attention to rapid coastal erosion at Dharavandhoo island of Baa atoll has been submitted to parliament.

The petition with 250 signatures was presented to parliament by MP for Kendhoo, Ali Hussain.

In a letter addressing the parliament, Dharavandhoo residents stated that the island's beach travellers, tourists and locals alike for sports, swimming and other activities. Therefore, the alarmingly rapid coastal erosion of the north-west side of the beach due to climate change has caused many difficulties.

The letter concludes with the residents appealing for assistance to prevent further coastal erosion and protect the beach.

Pictures depicting the extent of the coastal erosion was also presented alongside the letter.

Coastal erosion is commonly seen in Maldives islands during the North-East monsoon every year. However, an exponential rise in the rate of erosion has been observed as of recent and many citizens from across the country have voiced concern over the issue on social media.

19th Parliament Committee on Environment and Climate Change held an emergency meeting last month over the unusually high rate of coastal erosion observed across the island nation.