| Abstract: | This report discusses the findings of an environmental study undertaken as Environmental
Impact Assessment for the development of Theluveliga as Resort Island. This environmental
study has been undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. for the development of Theluveliga
as a 30 room resort island.
This project is proposed by Theluveliga Retreat Pvt Ltd. Theluveliga Retreat Pvt Ltd has
operated the island as a picnic island. Theluveliga is located South Ari Atoll approximately
87 km south west of Malé.
The developer is proposing to develop the picnic island at the Theluveliga. The resort
development project includes, development of 8 beach villas, 12 water villas and water
suite. The project also includes development of a reception lobby, restaurant, beach bar,
lagoon bar, dive centre, water sports centre, spa, staff accommodation, mosque, power and
desalination plant house, waste management centre, water and fuel storage tanks. The
development includes services and facilities to support a 30 room resort island. Ministry of
Tourism, Arts and Culture approved the proposed development project at Theluveliga.
This EIA report has identified that the major impacts of the project will be felt on the marine
environment since new water villa construction will take place in the lagoon. Impacts on the
marine environment will be felt through sedimentation and siltation caused by the
construction activities on the lagoon and the associated indirect impacts on the coral reef,
during this period. Baseline data has, therefore, been collected in order to monitor the
changes to the marine environment which will be identified in follow up monitoring reports.
The most significant impact will be felt on the lagoon bottom, rather than the coral reef.
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.
An 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. Due to various reasons, these alternatives have not been considered.
The advantages and disadvantages of these alternatives have been discussed and they
include environmental as well as financial reasons. Therefore, several design considerations,
although initially were considered, has been rejected due to these reasons.
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. |
