Environmental impact assessment for the proposed reclamation of 24 hectare at Thimarafushi, Thaa Atoll, Maldives

Abstract

This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact assessment undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd for undertaking the propose reclamation of 24 hectares in Thimarafushi island, Thaa Atoll. An area of 240,000 square meters or24 hectares will be reclaimed in order to expand the available land space for Thimarafushi, mostly for housing and industrial activities. This EIA report discusses the findings of the reclamation project. The project is proposed by Ministry of Housing and Environment. The biggest challenge facing Thimarafushi is lack of space and overcrowding. Reclamation is a real need for Thimarafushi as the island is saturated and there are no additional land for housing plots nor industrial activities. The presently reclaimed area, although it is quite huge, most of which cannot be used for domestic use as majority of this land will be allocated to develop an airport and its boundaries. The present population of the island is 2817 and there are 350 households. This is 8 people on average per house. The island needs an additional 400 houses as existing houses are over crowded and too many families having to live in the same house is creating social and health issues. Twenty hectares will be reclaimed from area 1 and approximately 50% of this area would be usable domestic purposes due to airport development restrictions. Further development of Thimarafushi can only be achieved through creating additional land. Reclamation is therefore very much a serious requirement for the people as lack of space is causing many problems. Environmental impacts were assessed and most of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as resulting mainly from the coral reef damage from dredging and reclamation works. Mitigation measures for the negative impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, especially sedimentation control methods. The most important mitigation measure is the use of bund walls in the fill areas. The proposed mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The measures proposed to minimize or mitigate environmental impacts may be considered to be quite appropriate, thereby minimizing the impact by about 90%. The main negative environmental impact of the proposed project would be sedimentation and destruction of the lagoon and some areas of the reef, which will cause death or partial death of corals. Coastal protection of the reclaimed area 2 will be undertaken in order to protect the shore. The project is mainly driven by the economic gain to the development of Thimarafushi, mainly through benefits achieved from increased land.