Browsing by Author | މުސައްނިފުން "Aleem, Abdul"

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Article
Environment impact assessment : for the rehabilitation and repair of the harbour, Vaikaradhoo island, Haa Dhaal atoll, Maldives
(Water Solutions, 2012-12) Aleem, Abdul
Technical Report
Environment impact assessment for the proposed resort development in Dhoores island, Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
(2013-08-01) Aleem, Abdul
This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt Ltd for the development of Dhoores Island in Dhaalu atoll in to a resort. This project is proposed by Vermillion Pvt Ltd of Maldives to develop Dhoores as a resort. The resort will be completed and under operation in 2014 with a total bed capacity of 90. •Dhoores is located inside Dhaalu atoll, slightly on the western side on its own reef system. The island will be developed to a resort with 45 rooms. •The development of Dhoores will include only land structures and no over water structures are proposed. All the public facilities including restaurant, kitchen, staff area, fuel storage, waste management area etc. are located inside the island. All of the guest villas will be developed on land, mostly on the periphery of the island to take advantage of the beach environment. •The design of Dhoores concentrates the guest villas on the periphery of island and public facilities are concentrated on the western side. The staff and back of house areas will be developed in the centre of the island. •Two jetties are proposed to be constructed in Dhoores, located on the northern side of the island. Access to this jetty (labelled jetty 1 located on the north-west) is aligned with an existing entrance channel. However, this access channel is narrow and hence it is proposed to widen and deepen this entrance channel so that large Dhoni‟s can access the jetty head during construction period as well as during the operational period. It is proposed to construct this jetty first which will also be used as a temporary jetty. The dredged material from the channel will be deposited on the western side of the jetty as a means of protecting the leeward side of the channel. The deposited material will protected using jumbo bags which will ensure that the sand remains in one mass. Although the approved site plan indicates an L-shaped jetty head, the construction of the jetty will not consider the L-shaped jetty head for jetty 1. •The second jetty (jetty 2) will be constructed on the east of jetty 1 and will require creation of an access channel and a mooring basin towards the jetty head (refer to the project description section for details of the breakwater and dredging details). The jetty head will be L-shaped with rock boulders placed underneath to create a safe mooring space. The breakwaters underneath the jetty head will prevent wave action inside the mooring basin, creating a protective area for boats to moore at all times. It is proposed to develop this jetty at a later stage of construction. The dredged material from the channel and the mooring basin will be used as core material for the breakwater and excess will be used as backfilling some island infrastructure at the back of house. •During the construction stage, construction waste will be managed by periodically transporting them to Thilafushi. During the operation stage, management of the resort‟s waste will be undertaken through the waste management centre that will address all the types of waste generated in the island. Wastes that can be managed on the island, such as green waste and food wastes will be managed on the island using a combination of incinerators, composting and deep water disposal. •This EIA report has identified impacts during construction and operational stage. During the construction stage, impacts will be felt on the terrestrial, coastal and the marine environment. •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. Coastal impacts will also be felt as a result of alteration brought about. Terrestrial impacts will be felt through land clearing and cutting of trees. The most significant impacts during the operational stage will be felt as a result of the on-going waste generation and how well it is managed during the operational stage. •Baseline data has, therefore, been collected in order to monitor the changes to the terrestrial, coastal and marine environment which will be identified in periodical monitoring reports. •Alternatives to the project have also been considered in detail and several alternatives to the proposed project were 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 covers components of terrestrial, coastal and the marine environment. These include coral cover and marine water quality among many other parameters. •The opening of the resort will increase the bed capacity of Dhaalu Atoll and the Maldives and hence increase job opportunities in the tourism sector. This will have a profound impact on the geographical distribution of jobs and open up opportunities for people of Dhaalu atoll to engage in a job close to their island.
Environment impact assessment for the restoration of beach at Royal Island Resort and Spa
(Island Travels and Tours Pvt Ltd, 2008-04) Zahid, Ahmed; Aleem, Abdul; Jameel, Ahmed
Technical Report
Environmental & social impact assessment for the proposed construction of 65 housing units at Hanimaadhoo, Haa DHaalu Atoll, Maldives
(Water Solutions، Maldives, 2008-07) Aleem, Abdul; އަބުދުލްޢަލީމް
Technical Report
Environmental & social impact assessment for the proposed construction of housing units at Nolhivaranfaru, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
(Water Solutions, Maldives., 2008-09) Aleem, Abdul; އަބުދުލްޢަލީމް
Technical Report
Environmental and social impact assessment : for the proposed construction of housing units in Thulusdhoo, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives
(National Disaster Management Centre, 2008-09) Aleem, Abdul
This EIA report is prepared for the construction of 63 houses in Thulusdhoo island in Kaafu Atoll. To expedite the EIA process for this project, the EIA was undertaken in two parts. EIA report 1 focused on land clearing for 100 houses. EIA 2 or the full EIA will include all aspects of the project including land clearing for 100 houses and construction of 63 houses. A decision note for report 1 has already been issued by the Environment Ministry. This is EIA report 2 or the full EIA and covers all aspects of the project from land clearing to construction of houses. The land areas identified for constructing the housing units have been cleared and existing trees of the area have been compensated. As such a decision has been taken by ERC of MEEW for conducting the site clearance work for the construction of the proposed 63 houses. The project aims to relocate, more than 300 people from Dhaalu atoll Rinbudhoo. The total number of houses required for the relocation is 63. Although the TOR has been developed to cover 100 houses, under this project only 63 houses will be constructed. The remaining 37 house plots have been reserved for future use. However, the total area for 100 houses has been cleared through approval obtained from EIA report 1. The most significant negative impacts of the project will be due to clearing of trees from the areas proposed for constructing of housing units. To compensate the tree losses, the proponent has already made plans to re‐plant more trees in the island. It is also planned that trees will be retained in plots where possible, and/or planted within the new plots once and after construction works of houses are completed. All activities of the project will be closely monitored by site supervisors of Housing Infrastructure Redevelopment Unit (HIRU) of National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) and Project Managers on behalf of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MHUD) to avoid any environment and social issues. A close relationship and open communication will be established with the community to avoid any future disagreements and social issues during execution of the project work. The approval has already been given from the relevant government agencies for mining sand required for this project.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment : for the proposed new structures in Macchafushi resort, South Ari Atoll, Maldives
(Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd., 2008-07) Aleem, Abdul; Zahid, Ahmed
• This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. for the construction of additional structures in Macchafushi island • This project is proposed by Regent Maldives to develop an additional 34 new water villas, an over water dive school, lap pool and a sunset bar in Macchafushi. • Macchafushi is presently under construction and more than 95% of the construction has already been completed. • Recently, the resort, including all assets were purchased by Reagent Maldives Pvt.Ltd from the previous owner. The need for these additional new structures arose as a result of this take over. The new developers are proposing this in order to enhance the resort facilities and upgrade and diversify the products on offer to guests. • This report has identified that the major impacts of the project will be felt on the marine environment almost all the new structures proposed will be constructed over water. Impacts on the marine environment will be felt through direct impact on corals and sedimentation and siltation caused by the construction activities both to the lagoon and the coral reef, 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 reef flat and 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.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment : for the proposed new water villa and spa construction in Thulhaagiri resort, North Male' Atoll, Maldives
(Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd., 2008-05) Aleem, Abdul; Zahid, Ahmed; Shah, Hassan
This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. for the construction of 17 new water villas and an over water spa in Thulhaagiri resort. • This project is proposed by Thulhagiri resort, north Male’ atoll. The new construction will take place without shutting down the operations and is expected to be 6 months. • Thulhaagiri is located inside north Male’ atoll approximately 15 km north of Male’. The island is surrounded by the many reefs around the island in north‐male’ atoll. • The resort infrastructure is quite old and also due to the size of the island, there are only limited facilities available. Rooms are cluttered along the beach providing little privacy for guest and the severe erosion of the east and southern beaches are serious environmental issues faced. As a result, sea wall and groynes have been constructed at along the coastline at different sections. • The only possibility of increasing the room capacity is through expansion in the lagoon. There are already 17 water villas constructed on the southern lagoon and the additional 17 rooms will be constructed on the southern side, west of the existing rooms. • Additional rooms and a spa is important to increase the room capacity and compete with other resorts and meet the market demands currently prevailing in the tourism industry. The idea is to renovate the island by constructing new facilities in the resort. Hence, the project involves construction of a spa and water villas. • This EIA report has identified that the major impacts of the project will be felt on the marine environment since new water villa and spa 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 periodical 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. Once 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.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment : for the proposed refurbishment of Adaaran Club Rannaalhi, South Male' Atoll, Maldives
(Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd., 2008-04) Aleem, Abdul; Zahid, Ahmed; Shah, Hassan
This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. for the redevelopment of Adaaran Club Rannaalhi located in Rannaalhi island in south Male’ atoll. • This project is proposed by Jetan Travel Services Co. Pvt Ltd , to refurbish the resort. The resort will be refurbished without shutting down the operations. • Rannaalhi is located on the south‐western rim of South Male’ atoll and is operated under the name, Adaaran Club Rannaalhi • At present, some of the island infrastructure is old and requires refurbishment in order to compete with other resorts and meet the market demands currently prevailing in the tourism industry. The idea is to renovate the island by upgrading and constructing new facilities in the resort. Hence, the project involves removal of two structures on land, construction of a swimming pool, construction of new water bungalows and internal modifications to the existing water bungalows. • The 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 periodical monitoring reports. • Alternatives to the project have also been considered in detail and several alternatives to the proposed project were considered. 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.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment : for the rehabilitation of tsunami damaged harbour at the Th. Thimarafushi
(Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd., 2008-02) Zahid, Ahmed; Aleem, Abdul; Jameel, Ahmed; Shah, Hassan
This report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and Al Habshi Consultants of Kuwait upon request from Ministry of Construction and Public Infrastructure. The project involves the rehabilitation of the existing harbor in Thimarafushi, Thaa Dhaal Atoll with additional and enhanced facilities. This project is initiated by the government of Maldives with funding from Kuwait Fund (KFAED) as part of the Tsunami rehabilitation programme. The harbor of Thimarafushi has been damaged to various extents and require repair and upgrading. A detail assessment of the environmental and social conditions was assessed based on which a rehabilitation project has been proposed. This EIA has been prepared to assess the social and environmental impacts of this proposed rehabilitation project. Major environmental impacts of the project have been identified as resulting mainly from dredging and disposal of excavated materials. Excavation will be undertaken to create a new access channel. Excavated materials will be used to closure the existing channel and back fill material of the quay wall. In view of the assessment, the environmental damage to marine resources have not been considered major due to the limited boundary of the project and also due to confined nature of the project. Environmental impacts were assessed for both construction and operation phase of the project. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including sedimentation control methods and other measures. These mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. Stakeholder consultations were held with various groups, including the community and the client in order to incorporate the socio‐ economic components in the project. The proposed rehabilitation plans for Thimarafushi has been prepared after considering the needs and requirements from the community by assessing and incorporating the outcomes from the extensive community consultations held during the data collection stage. It is inevitable that there would be some negative environmental impacts, especially when excavation is undertake. Nevertheless, these negative impacts are not so severe to the extent that the project should not be allowed to take place. As a result, a comprehensive monitoring component has been suggested which takes in to consideration, the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component will be adhered and will allow the assessment of long term changes, despite the limited nature of the impact. The most important consideration is the socioeconomic impacts that have been assessed mainly as positive in nature. Not only they are positive, but most importantly in the long term. Therefore, it appears justified from a technical and from an environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed rehabilitation project in light of the existing socio‐economic developments and forecasts made on the harbor use and traffic increase.
Article
Environmental impact assessment : for the rehabilitation of Tsunami damaged sewerage system at the Th. Thimarafushi
(Water Solutions, 2008-05) Jameel, Ahmed; Zahid, Ahmed; Aleem, Abdul; Shah, Hassan
Technical Report
Environmental Impact Assessment for clearing the proposed housing area of K.Thulusdhoo (report 1)
(Housing Infrastructure Redevelopment Unit, 2007) Aleem, Abdul; Zahid, Ahmed; Shah, Hassan; އަބުދުލްއަލީމް; އަޙުމަދު ޒާހިދު; ޙަސަން ޝާހް
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for proposed shore protection measures on Dhunikolhu, Baa Atoll, Maldives
(Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Maldives, 2007-08) Zahid, Ahmed; އަޙްމަދު ޒާހިދު; Abdulla, Amjad; އަމްޖަދު ޢަބްދުއްލާ; Naeem, Hussain; ނަޢީމް ހުސެއިން; Aleem, Abdul; ޢަބްދުލް ޢަލީމް; Jameel, Ahmed; އަޙްމަދު ޖަމީލް
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for proposed shore protection measures on Dhunikolhu, Baa Atoll, Maldives
(Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Maldives, 2007-08-01) Zahid, Ahmed; Abdulla, Amjad; Naeem, Hussain; Aleem, Abdul; Jameel, Ahmed
Technical Report
Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed Channel deepening works in Taj Exotica Resort (Emboodhoofinolhu), Maldives
(Water Solutions, Maldives, 2007-07) Aleem, Abdul; Zahid, Ahmed; Naeem, Hussain; އަބުދުލްޢަލީމް; އަޙުމަދު ޒާހިދު; ހުސެއިން ނަޢީމް
Article
Environmental impact assessment for the proposed harbour development at Dhangethi, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
(Water Solution, Maldives, 2008-04) Aleem, Abdul; Jameel, Ahmed; Zahid, Ahmed; Naeem, Ibrahim
Non Technical Summary This report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of the Ministry of Construction and Public Infrastructure. The project involves the development of a new harbour in Dhagethi, Aalifu Dhaalu Atoll. This project is initiated by the government of Maldives as part of the Access Programme implemented by the MCPI. The environment of Dhangethi may be described as properly managed,with several environmental achievements including appropriate solid waste management, development of a sewerage system with nearshore outfalls to some degree, modest housing with ventilation, appropriate level of urban planning, beach and recreational areas for the residents and visitors including tourists visiting the islands from neighboring resorts. Stakeholder consultations were held with various groups, including the community and the client in order to incorporate the socio‐economic components in the project. It was observed that the community of Dhangethi is independent and people are ready to make a difference by community involvement, participation and empowerment that has achieved through the economic prosperity that have achieved through tourism in the region. Environmental impacts were assessed for both the construction and operation phase of the project. Most of the environmental impacts of theproject have been identified as resulting mainly from excavation and disposal of excavated materials. The main impact of dredging would be that of excessive sedimentation on the nearby reef areas. This impact is considered to be a moderate but short term impact. Development of the harbour would have irreversible impact and its location would have a long term impact. The socio‐economic benefits of the project may be considered to outweigh the negative impacts of the project on the physical environment of the island as the island is located on a strategic location in the middle of high density of resorts. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including sedimentation control methods and other measures. These mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The proposed harbour details for Dhangethi has been prepared after considering the needs and requirements from the community by assessing and incorporating the outcomes from the extensive community consultations held during the data collection stage. It is inevitable that there would be negative environmental impacts, especially when excavation is undertaken. Nevertheless, these negative impacts are not severe to the extent that the project should not be allowed to take place. As a result, a monitoring component has been suggested which takes in to consideration, the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component will be adheredto and will allow the assessment of changes due to construction of harbour. Monitoring is specifically focussed on water quality changes. Therefore, it appears justified from a technical and from an environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed project in light of the existing socioeconomic developments and forecasts made on the harbour use and traffic increase.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the proposed reclamation of 31 hectares at Maafushi island, South Male’ Atoll, Maldives
(2013-05-01) Aleem, Abdul
This report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. upon request from Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. The project involves reclamation of 31 hectares in Maafushi island, South Male’ Atoll. The project aims to increase the available land space in Maafushi island, mostly to address the housing and industrial needs of the community. This EIA report discusses the findings of the reclamation project. The project is proposed by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. One of the biggest development challenge facing Maafushi is lack of space for further development mostly the issue of housing. Reclamation is a realistic need for the island as the island is presently saturated with no additional land for housing plots nor industrial activities. The present population of the island is roughly 3500 and there are 248 households. This is 14 people on average per house. The island council has got more than 500 applications for new housing as existing houses are overcrowded and too many families having to live in the same house which is creating social and health issues. Unfortunately, the island council is unable to allocate new housing plots due to lack of space. Thirty one hectares will therefore be reclaimed from the eastern side of the existing island that would be developed and zoned for both residential and commercial use. Reclamation is therefore a serious necessity for the people of Maafushi. Environmental impacts were assessed and most of the environmental impacts of the project have been identified as resulting from the dredging and reclamation works. Dredging and reclamation projects constitute significant amount of sedimentation and it is the biggest threat to the marine environment. Mitigation measures for the negative impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, and sedimentation control methods have been specifically focused due to its seriousness. The most important mitigation measure is the use of bund walls in the fill areas to contain sedimentation of the remainder of the reef or at least minimize it significantly. 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 of corals in the direct impact zone and partial death of corals in other areas. A coastal protection method and extents have also been suggested in the EIA in order to protect the shoreline. The project is mainly driven by the social and economic gain for the development of Maafushi island through benefits achieved from increased land. Stakeholder consultations were held with various groups, including the island council and the client in order to incorporate the socio-economic components in the project. Stakeholders, most importantly the island community represented by the Island council was the most significant as they have the maximum knowledge and experience from the daily difficulties faced and issues of the island. On a daily basis, the council receives request / complains from the general public on various issues and these have been incorporated in the report. It is inevitable that there would be a lot of negative environmental impacts of this project. However, balancing these negative impacts and the socioeconomic benefits gained is something that is very difficult. As a result, a comprehensive monitoring component has been suggested which takes in to consideration, the most important elements that require monitoring, most importantly a mechanism and means to measure and value the social benefit of the project. This monitoring component will be adhered and will allow the assessment of long term changes, despite the potential negative impacts. As the socioeconomic impacts are going to be felt in the long term, monitoring these changes is very essential. The reclamation of Maafushi does pose significant threat to the marine environment as a large percentage of sea grass community on the eastern side will be destroyed. There will also be direct and indirect damage to corals in the vicinity of the project site. Nevertheless, this project will benefit the community significantly through increased available land for housing and commercial activities.
Environmental impact assessment for the proposed redevelopment of Lilly Beach resort (Huvahendhoo),South Air Atoll, Maldives
(Water Solutions, 2007-06) Zahid, Ahmed; Aleem, Abdul; Naeem, Husen
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the proposed shore protection measures in Hakuraa Huraa (Chaayaa Lagoon), Maldives.
(FantaSea World Insvestments, 2007-09) Aleem, Abdul; Zahid, Ahmed; Shah, Hassan; Naeem, Ibrahim; އަބްދުލްއަލީމް; އަޙުމަދު ޒާހިދު; ޙަސަން ޝާހް; އިބްރާހިމް ނަޢިމް
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the rehabilitation and repair of the harbour, Gulhi island, South Male’ Atoll, Maldives
(2013-09-01) Aleem, Abdul
This report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. upon request from Ministry of Housing. The project involves rehabilitation of the existing harbour in Gulhi island in, South Male’ Atoll with modifications to the existing infrastructures. This project is initiated by the government of Maldives as part of harbour rehabilitation programme. The present harbour of Gulhi has not been constructed in the best manner resulting in operational difficulties and issues. The harbour, was completed partially with the quay wall and the deepening of the harbour basin. However, there is no breakwaters to protect the harbour basin and no revetments along the edge of both sides of the harbour have been constructed. All these components together makes a complete harbour and therefore, although the harbour of Gulhi has been constructed, it can be considered as a partially completed harbour. The harbour has been constructed to ease the access difficulties faced by the island for years. Unfortunately, the breakwaters were not constructed and so the harbour basin does not function to its intended purpose. During the harbour construction, the adjacent area between the island and the harbour has been reclaimed as well as some on the side. However, no revetments were constructed and so over the years, erosion has taken its toll along the sides of the harbour. Lack of a breakwater creates conditions insides the harbour that makes it very difficult to fully utilize the harbour. In addition, an entrance channel will also be dredged to allow safe manoeuvring. The harbour basin has also become shallow in some areas and therefore deepening of the basin will also be undertaken to some extent. The proposed rehabilitation is therefore geared towards rehabilitating the harbour by constructing an appropriate breakwater, revetment and deepening of the harbour basin. A detail environmental and social condition was assessed based on which recommendations have been proposed. This EIA has been prepared to assess the social and environmental impacts of this proposed project. Major environmental impacts of the project have been identified as resulting mainly from the construction of the breakwater and dredging works. As the harbour has been completed few years ago, the surrounding marine environment has not fully recovered and it is in a state of recovery. However, this project will again add to the already felt impacts and further burden the marine environment. In view of the assessment, the environmental damages to the marine resources have not been considered major due to the limited boundary of the project and also due to confined EIA for the nature of the project. The impacts are likely to be felt on an estimated 3% of the reef along the entire reef system. These environmental impacts were assessed for both construction and operation phase of the project. Stakeholder consultations were held with various groups, including the island council and the client in order to incorporate the socio-economic components in the project. Stakeholders, most importantly the island community represented by the Island council was the most significant as they have the maximum knowledge and experience from the daily difficulties faced. Apart from this, they receive complains from boat owners and other harbour users on a daily basis and these have been incorporated in the report. It is inevitable that there would be some negative environmental impacts, especially when the breakwater is constructed and dredging undertaken. However, the negative impacts out weight the socioeconomic benefits gained by rehabilitating the harbour. As a result, a comprehensive monitoring component has been suggested which takes in to consideration, the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component will be adhered and will allow the assessment of long term changes, despite the limited nature of the impacts. The most important consideration is the socioeconomic impacts that have been assessed mainly as positive in nature. Not only they are positive, but the impacts will be felt in the long term. The rehabilitation of the harbour in Gulhi does not pose a major threat to the environment. The key component in this project is dredging the entrance channel and construction of a breakwater. It takes place in an environment that has already been damaged significantly, but is undergoing recovery. Therefore, environmental impacts are not going to be of serious concern. However, the social impacts of this project will be significant and will benefit the community as well as other harbour users from the region. Therefore, it is clearly justifiable to undertake this project.
Technical Report
Initial environmental examination : for the proposed installation meteorological mast in Gaafaru island, North Kaafu atoll
(2010-07) Aleem, Abdul
The purpose of this Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) report is to fulfil the requirements of the Environment Protection and Preservation Act to undertake an assessment of effects on the natural and human environment of the proposed installation of a meterological mast in the island of Gaafaru. The project involves construction of a meteorological mast commonly called “Met Mast” as the first phase of a much larger project, Development and operation of a wind park on the reef of Gaafaru. The development and operation of the Wind Park is a priority for the Government of the Maldives in order to meet the “Carbon Neutral Maldives 2020” strategic goals. In order for this wind park to be feasible, adequate data has to be collected. This proposed project is therefore the first phase of the project which involves installation of an 80 meter tall mast in the island of Gaafaru. The project is proposed in an area of the island where presently there is only boat building activities and the area being open pose no threat to any terrestrial tree species. The project does not involve cutting of any trees to erect the mast and hence is not considered to be environmentally damaging. The mast will be placed on concrete footings which will be buried at a depth of 5 feet and hence ensure that a firm support is provided. A total of seven footings will be constructed and this itself does not pose any environmental threats. The positive impacts or benefits of the project are enormous. These include, the collection of long term regional weather data that is not presently available in Maldives, promotion of renewable energy and increasing the awareness of renewable energy among the public, and lastly but not least, indirect social benefits from the project that results in increased visitors to the island by the project personnel. If data collected in this phase is adequate and feasible, the wind farm project in Gaafaru will take place and hence will bring enormous economic benefits to the island and the country. There are very few environmental impacts and they are also considered to be negligible or very minor. The project is therefore not considered to be of any threat to the environment, but has more social and economic benefits.
Technical Report
Social & environmental impact assessment : for the setup of a drinking water supply network in Thinadhoo, Gaafu Dhaal atoll, Maldives
(Male’ Water and Sewerage Company, 2008-09) Jameel, Ahmed; Aleem, Abdul
• This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. for the establishment of a RO desalination plant and water distribution network in Gdh. Thinadhoo. • The aim of this project is to ensure that the island community of Gdh. Thinadhoo has adequate access to pure and safe water for their basic daily needs. • The proponent of this project is MEEW. This project has been contracted to Male’ Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) Pvt. Ltd by the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Water. Accordingly, MWSC has sub‐contracted Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). • The purpose of this EIA is to identify all significant environmental and social impacts (positive and negative, direct, indirect and cumulative). This is to ensure that any potential negative consequences that may arise from the proposed activities are avoided or minimized and any potential benefits from the project are maximized. • The project aims to setup a 200 tonnes per day water production RO plant and provide water to all the government institutions through a piped network. In addition, two public tap bays will also be setup from where the public will have access to free and safe drinking water. The pipe will be buried underground and the total length of the pipes will be more than 2.7 km. • In order to undertake the study, baseline environmental and social surveys were undertaken in Thinadhoo. A detail groundwater sampling survey was undertaken to assess the baseline quality of groundwater. The results of these are discussed in the relevant sections. Estimation of the groundwater availability has also been undertaken by estimating the aerial extent of the groundwater lens and quantifying using the water quality survey as well as through the use of other data. • A detail marine environmental survey was also undertaken to understand and record the baseline status. The survey was concentrated in the southern lagoon where concentrated brine will be discharged. • The project does not have any major negative environmental issues, but rather have found to have more social impacts. Discharge of concentrated brine has been identified as the most important impact as far as the environment is considered. • The project will have several benefits to the community, including access to safe water. However, the limited number of public tap bays (2) have been raised as a concerning issues as the community has shown their dissatisfaction towards this design. Important government stakeholders such as Atolls Ministry and Planning Ministry have also expressed their concern with regard to the limited public tap bays. In addition, other relevant stakeholders were also consulted and the outcome of these consultations were incorporated in making the final recommendations. • Based on the outcome of the stakeholder consultations, it appears that the proponent, MEEW did not involve them in the planning stages of the project. This has resulted in conflicting views with the relevant stakeholders regarding the project design. Details of these are described under the section “Stakeholder Consultations”. • The regulator of water and sanitation in Maldives, MWSA was unable to comment for the project, as a result, there are few questions unanswered regarding the regulators role in this project. • A detail monitoring plan has been suggested towards the end with details of the costs. It is important to undertake this monitoring in order to abide the EIA regulations. The report also provides recommendation to improve the project.