Environmental impact assessment for the proposed upgrade and redevelopment in Thudufushi Resort, South Ari Atoll, Maldives

Abstract

• This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. for the undertaking the proposed upgrade and redevelopment project in Thudufushi island • This project is proposed by Seagull Group to develop; 21 new water bungalows, 2 water bungalow suites, an over water reception, bar, restaurant, sea plane platform, a sewerage treatment plant, increasing the capacity at power house and desalination plant to cater for additional demands. The redevelopment project would also deepen the existing channel, development of a submerged breakwater on western side, southern side and repair the breakwater on northern side of the island. • This report has identified, that major impact of the project will be felt on the marine environment as almost all the new structures proposed will be over water. Impacts on the marine environment will be felt through indirect impact on corals due to sedimentation and siltation caused by the construction activities to the lagoon, during the construction period. Baseline data has, therefore, been collected in order to monitor the changes to the marine environment which will be identified in periodical monitoring reports. The most significant impact will be felt on the lagoon bottom. • Alternatives to the project have also been considered in detail and several alternatives to the proposed project were considered, including alternative methods of water villa construction and alternative locations. One alternative that has been suggested is to construct the water villas on large but minimal number of columns. Other alternatives considered include alternative locations and construction strategy. An alternative location has also been suggested. Due to various reasons, these alternatives have not been considered. The advantages and disadvantages of these alternatives have been discussed. • Towards, the end of the report, a monitoring programme has been suggested which mainly covers the marine environment. These include coral cover and marine water quality among many other parameters. As the impacts are felt on the marine environment, it is important to undertake this monitoring.