Environment - ތިމާވެށި

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Technical Report
Addendum to environmental impact assessment for the reclamation at Guriadhoo, Thaa Atoll
(2014-02) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of an environmental study undertaken as an Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment carried out for the reclamation project at Guraidhoo Island, Thaa Atoll. This environmental study has been undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. for the changes that had been brought to the scope of the reclamation protect at Th. Guraidhoo. The reclamation project is proposed by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure is the government institution which undertakes key infrastructure development projects in the country. Reclamation projects are one of the main infrastructure projects undertaken by the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. The developer is proposing to change the method of borrowing sand for reclamation using cutter suction dredging from hopper suction dredging and adding additional 20 hectares to the reclamation project proposed to the island. These changes have been brought to reduce the cost of the project by utilising available technologies in the Maldives. This EIA Addendum report has identified that the major impacts of the project will be felt on the marine environment since borrow area would be located in the lagoon of the island. Impacts on the marine environment will be felt through sedimentation and siltation caused by the dredging activity in the lagoon and the associated indirect impacts on the coral reef, during this period. Baseline data has been collected and report in the EIA report. Impact on the marine environment will be identified through the monitoring. This will be reported 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 area to borrow sand. An alternative would be use a hopper suction dredger to borrow sand from the atoll lagoon floor. But this option has not been considered due to high cost factor. An alternative area to borrow using cutter suction dredger would be southern side of the island. But reaching this area would be difficult for the cutter suction dredger. 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
Addendum to environmental impact assessment soft coastal measure at western shoreline of Thinadhoo, Gdh Atoll
(2014-10) Jameel, Ahmed; Faiz, Ibrahim
This report discusses the findings of an environmental study undertaken as an Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment carried out for the project to undertake soft coastal measure at western shoreline of Thinadhoo, GDh Atoll. This environmental study has been undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. for the changes that had been brought to the scope of the soft coastal protection project at GDh. Thinadhoo. This Addendum to the EIA shall only be used for the purpose of issuing the Environmental Permit under the EIA Regulation 2012 and Environment Law 4/93. The demonstration coastal protection project is proposed by Ministry of Environment and Energy and Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) is the contractor for the project. Demonstration of soft coastal measure at western shoreline of GDh. Thinadhoo, is being implemented through Integrating Climate Change Risks into Resilient Island Planning (ICCRRIP) in the Maldives project. This is the first climate adaptation project implemented in the Maldives. The demonstration coastal protection project at western shoreline of GDh. Thinadhoo using soft coastal measure involves nourishment of 1,065m reclaimed shoreline on western side of the island and protection of the shoreline through the construction of an artificial ridge and geo-bag revetment. The project also involves the creation of a vegetated drainage system adjacent to the elevated ridge, which will allow drainage of flood water due to waves and rain. The details of the project has been provided in the Environmental Impact Assessment carried out for the project to undertake soft coastal measure at western shoreline of Thinadhoo, GDh Atoll (2014) which had been approved by EPA. The Ministry of Environment and Energy is proposing to change the location of the borrow area of to excavate 30,000 m3 of sand required for filling of the geo bags and back filling of the area to create a vegetated ridge. The contractor was unable to excavate sand from the approved two borrow areas located on north and southern side of the island. This EIA Addendum report has identified that the major impacts of the borrowing sand from the new borrow site will be felt on the marine environment of the island. Impacts on the marine environment will be felt through sedimentation and siltation caused by excavation activity in the lagoon and the associated indirect impacts on the coral reef, during this period. Baseline data has been collected and report in the EIA report. Impact on the marine environment associated with the borrowing sand from new borrow site will be identified through the monitoring. This will be reported in follow up environmental monitoring reports. The most significant impact will be felt on the lagoon bottom and adjacent coral reef on eastern side of the island. Alternatives to the project have also been considered. An alternative would be to use a mini dredger to dredge the required amount of sand from the approved borrow site located on northern side of the island. But this option would not be practical as it would be possible to mobilise a mini dredger to dredge 30,000 m3 of sand. Dredgers are feasible if the volume of sand is above 150,000 m3. 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 development at A. DH. Theluveliga as A Resort Island
(2014-10) Water Solutions
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.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the Hulhumalé second phase reclamation & development of a harbour quay wall at Hulhumalé
(2013-01) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study (EIA) undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Housing Development Coorperation (HDC). This EIA report covers two projects; reclamation and coastal protection of Hulhumalé phase 2 and development of a harbour quay wall at Hulhumalé. The reclamation and coastal protection of Hulhumalé phase 2 is the first step to develop Hulhumalé 2 in accordance with the Hulhumalé development master plan. This project would reclaim 244 hectres of land at Hulhumalé lagoon and undertake coastal protection. The two million cubic meters of the fill materials for the reclamation would be borrowed using Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger from borrow sites identified by EPA. The harbour quay wall project at Hulhumalé would be implemented on southern side by developing a 100 m quay wall. A harbour basin would be dredged to -3 m at MSL and the excavated material would be used as a back fill of the quay wall which will be constructed using concrete L blocks. Hulhumale development project was initiated by the government to address the issue ofchronic congestion in Malé. The phase 1 of the project commenced in October 1997 and the reclamation was completed in 2001. Under phase 1 of the project 188 ha was reclaimed that would serve an estimated target population of 60,000. With the completion of existing housing infrastructure, the land available for residential development is very limited. Hence HDC is proposing to undertake the Hulhumalé second phase reclamation to facilitate the development project needs be undertaken to meet the residential demand. The harbour quay wall project is to facilitate a safe mooring area at Hulhumale for the vessels to load and unload cargo. Environmental and socioeconomic impacts of both components of the project were assessed. The reclamation of the shallow lagoon, reef flat, creation of an entrance channel would have irreversible impacts on the Hulhumalé reef. The impacts of the project result mainly from dredging and reclamation work. The impact of both activities would be of sedimentation. This impact is considered to be minor and short-term. During dredging and reclamation activity, impact of sedimentation on inhabited islands, resorts and diving sites are a concern that needs to address. The reclamation and coastal protection of Hulhumaé phase 2 and harbour quay wall project would have socio-economic benefits to the greater Malé region. The socio-economic benefit outweigh the negative impacts of the project on the physical environment of the Hulhumalé especially allowing more land to further expand the urban centre development of Hulhumalé. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including sedimentation and stagnation control methods and measures for minimizing negative effects of generation of waste. These mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The details of the project have been established based on the Hulhumalé master plan. Alternative locations and alternative designs have been investigated for the different components of the project. However, the present project design seems to be feasible option in terms of costs, durability and safety. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring has been developed including the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component need to adhered to and would allow to assess the changes due to the reclamation of additional land at Hulhumalé lagoon. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are predicted to be not severe as to not undertake the project in accordance with the master plan. The project is justifiable in light of the socio-economic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the reclamation at Kudahuvadhoo, Dhaalu Atoll
(2013-05) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study (EIA) undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. This EIA report covers for reclamation and coastal protection project at Kudahuvadhoo, Dhaalu Atoll. This project would reclaim 65hectres of land at Kudahuvadhoo and undertake coastal protection. The nineteen hundred and fiftycubic meters of the fill materials for the reclamation would be borrowed using Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger from borrow sites identified by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. 25% of the total reclaimed area perimeter would be protected using rock revetment. Kudahuvadhoo is one of the islands in a group of islands that government has designated to be reclaimed as part of the land reclamation project implemented by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. Government’s land reclamation project is implemented at islands where there is a huge demand for residential and commercial land. The proposed project would help to provide additional land that can be utilised for residential purposes. Environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the project were assessed. The reclamation of the shallow lagoon at Kudahuavadhoowould have irreversible impacts on the island of Guriadhoo. The impacts of the project result mainly from dredging and reclamation work. The impact of both activities would be of sedimentation. This impact is considered to be minor and short-term. During dredging and reclamation activity, impact of sedimentation on inhabited islands, nearby resort and diving sites are a concern that needs to address. The reclamation and coastal protection of reclaimed land would have socio-economic benefits to the central region of the Maldives.The socio-economic benefit outweigh the negative impacts of the project on the physical environment of the Kudahuavadhoo especially allowing more land to further expand and develop the island as a regional centre. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including sedimentation and stagnation control methods and measures for minimizing negative effects of generation of waste. These mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The details of the project have been established based on the landuse plan that had been developed for Kudahuavadhoo. Alternative locations and alternative designs have been investigated for the different components of the project. However, the present project design seems to be a feasible option in terms of costs, durability and safety. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring has been developed including the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component need to adhere to and would allow assessing the changes due to the reclamation of additional land at Kudahuvadhoo lagoon. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are predicted to be not severe as to not undertake the project in accordance with the landuse plan developed for the island. The project is justifiable in light of the socio-economic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the redevelopment at AA. Kandholhudhoo as a resort island
(2013-12) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of an environmental study undertaken as Environmental Impact Assessment carried out for the redevelopment of Kandholhudhoo as Resort Island. This environmental study has been undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. for the redevelopment of Kandholhudhoo as a 30 room resort island. This project is proposed by Kandholhudhoo Island Investment pvt ltd. Kandholhudhoo Island Investment has been operating Kandholhudhoo Island as a picnic island. Kandholhudhoo is located North Ari Atoll approximately 74 km west of Malé. The developer is proposing to redevelop the picinic island at the Kandholhudhoo. This includes adding additional 7 pool villas on northern side of the island to reflect the current market trends, renovating existing 6 land villas as beach villas and adding additional 6 beach villas and 5 deluxe beach villas. The redevelopment includes additional services and facilities to support a 30 room resort island. Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture approved the proposed redevelopment project at Kandholhudhoo. 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. 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 L. Fonnadhoo road project
(2014-12) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Maldives Road Development Cooperation (MRDC). This EIA report \ Road development project at Laamu Fonnadhoo. This project would undertake a total 5.3 km road development at 10 roads at L. Fonnadhoo. Development of the roads at Laamu Fonnadho is one of the projects in a group of islands that the Government has selected to undertake the road development project implemented by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. Road development project is implemented at islands where there is a huge demand for residential and commercial land. The proposed project would help to improve the living condition of the island and facilitate the development at the selected island. Environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the project were assessed as part of this study. The road developed and associated work of the project would have significant visible impacts on the island of Fonnadhoo. The impacts of the project result mainly during the levelling of the roads that is planned for development as part of the project. As part of the levelling work, the surface layer of the road would be scraped out. The sand that is removed from the levelling work would be used as backfilling materials of the roads that needs additional sand as backfill. Additional material would be borrowed from borrow sites for backfilling work. The implementation of the project and paving the road surface would have socio-economic benefits to the south central region of the Maldives. The socio-economic benefits outweigh the negative impacts of the project on the physical environment of Fonnadhoo. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including measures for minimizing negative effects of the management of construction waste. These mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The details of the project have been established based on the landuse plan that had been developed for island. Alternative designs and technologies have been investigated for the different components of the project. However, the present project design seems to be a feasible option in terms of costs, durability and safety. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring has been developed including the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component need to adhere to and would allow assessing the changes due to the road development project. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are predicted to be not severe as not to undertake the project in accordance with the landuse plan developed for the island. The project is justifiable in light of the socio-economic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment L. Gan – L. Fonnadhoo, link road development project
(2014-11) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. This EIA report covers Link Road development project at Laamu Atoll from L. Gan to L. Fonnadhoo. This project would undertake 14.9 km road development through Gan, Maandhoo and Fonnadhoo at Laamu Atoll. Development of the link road at the stretch of islands in Laamu Atoll is one of the islands in a group of islands that the Government has selected to undertake the road development project implemented by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. Road development project is implemented at islands where there is a huge demand for residential and commercial land. The proposed project would help to improve the living condition of the island and facilitate the development at the selected island. Environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the project were assessed as part of this study. The road developed and associated work of the project would have significant visible impacts on the islands of Gan, Fonnadhoo and Maandhoo. The impacts of the project result mainly removal of large number of trees to create the new road, levelling of the roads that is planned for development as part of the project. As part of the levelling work, the surface layer of the road would be scraped out. The sand that is removed from the levelling work would be used as backfilling materials of the roads that needs additional sand as backfill. Additional material would be borrowed from borrow sites for backfilling work. The implementation of the project and paving the road surface would have socioeconomic benefits to the south central region of the Maldives. The socio-economic benefits outweigh the negative impacts of the project on the physical environment of the stretch of islands in Laamu Atoll. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including measures for minimizing negative effects of the management of green and construction waste. These mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The details of the project have been established based on the landuse plan that had been developed for islands. Alternative designs and technologies have been investigated for the different components of the project. However, the present project design seems to be a feasible option in terms of costs, durability and safety. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring has been developed including the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component need to adhere to and would allow assessing the changes due to the road development project. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are predicted to be not severe as not to undertake the project in accordance with the landuse plan developed for the islands. The project is justifiable in light of the socio-economic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment the road development at DH. Kudahuvadhoo
(2013-05) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Maldives Road Development Cooperation. This EIA report covers road development project at Kudahuvadhoo, Dhaalu Atoll. This project would undertake road development at 13 roads of Kudahuvadhoo. The total length of the roads that would be developed would be 6.3 km. Kudahuvadhoo is one of the islands in a group of islands that government has selected to undertake the road project implemented by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. Road Development project is implemented at islands where there is a huge demand for residential and commercial land. The proposed project would help to improve the living condition of the island and facilitate the focus island development at the selected island. Environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the project were assessed. The road developed and associated work with the project would have irreversible impacts on the island of Kudahuvadhoo. The impacts of the project result mainly from excavation of the shallow lagoon to borrow the backfill material to level the road surface and levelling work carried out at the roads. The impact of the excavation activities would be of sedimentation. This impact is considered to be minor and short-term. The implementation of the project and paving the road surface would have socio-economic benefits to the central region of the Maldives. The socio-economic benefit outweigh the negative impacts of the project on the physical environment of the Kudahuavadhoo. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including sedimentation and stagnation control methods and measures for minimizing negative effects of generation of waste. These mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The details of the project have been established based on the landuse plan that had been developed for Kudahuavadhoo. Alternative designs and technologies have been investigated for the different components of the project. However, the present project design seems to be a feasible option in terms of costs, durability and safety. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring has been developed including the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component need to adhere to and would allow assessing the changes due to the road development project. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are predicted to be not severe as to not undertake the project in accordance with the landuse plan developed for the island. The project is justifiable in light of the socio-economic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment the road development at HDH. Hanimadhooo
(2013-07) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Maldives Road Development Cooperation. This EIA report covers road development project at Hanimadhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll. This project would undertake road development at 23 roads of Hanimadhoo. The total length of the roads that would be developed would be 8.5 km. Hanimadhoo is one of the islands in a group of islands that the Government has selected to undertake the road development project implemented by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. Road development project is implemented at islands where there is a huge demand for residential and commercial land. The proposed project would help to improve the living condition of the island and facilitate the focus island development at the selected island. Environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the project were assessed as part of this study. The road developed and associated work of the project would have significant visible impacts on the island of Hanimadhoo. The impacts of the project result mainly from levelling of the roads that is planned for development as part of the project. As part of the levelling work, the surface layer of the road would be scraped out. The sand that is removed from the levelling work would be used as backfilling materials of the roads that needs additional sand as backfill. Additional material would be borrowed from western side of the island for backfilling work. The implementation of the project and paving the road surface would have socio-economic benefits to the northern region of the Maldives. The socio-economic benefits outweigh the negative impacts of the project on the physical environment of the Hanimadhoo. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including measures for minimizing negative effects of the management of waste. These mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The details of the project have been established based on the landuse plan that had been developed for Hanimadhoo. Alternative designs and technologies have been investigated for the different components of the project. However, the present project design seems to be a feasible option in terms of costs, durability and safety. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring has been developed including the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component need to adhere to and would allow assessing the changes due to the road development project. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are predicted to be not severe as not to undertake the project in accordance with the landuse plan developed for the island. The project is justifiable in light of the socio-economic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment the road development at HDH. Khulhudhufushi
(2013-07) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Maldives Road Development Cooperation. This EIA report covers road development project at Khulhudhufushi, Haa Dhaalu Atoll. This project would undertake new road development at 18 roads of Khulhudhufushi. The total length of the roads that would be developed would be 5.3 km. As part of the project, the road surface of the Ameeni Magu, the road which had been started to develop, would be finished using hot rolled asphalt. Khulhudhufushi is one of the islands in a group of islands that the Government has selected to undertake the road development project implemented by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. Road development project is implemented at islands where there is a huge demand for residential and commercial land. The proposed project would help to improve the living condition of the island and facilitate the focus island development at the selected island. Environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the project were assessed as part of this study. The road developed and associated work of the project would have significant visible impacts on the island of Khulhudhufushi. The impacts of the project result mainly from levelling of the roads that is planned for development as part of the project. As part of the levelling work, the surface layer of the road would be scraped out. The sand that is removed from the levelling work would be used as backfilling materials of the roads that needs additional sand as backfill. Additional material would be borrowed from western side of the island for backfilling work. The implementation of the project and paving the road surface would have socio-economic benefits to the central region of the Maldives. The socio-economic benefits outweigh the negative impacts of the project on the physical environment of the Khulhudhufushi. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including measures for minimizing negative effects of the management of waste. These mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The details of the project have been established based on the landuse plan that had been developed for Khulhudhufushi. Alternative designs and technologies have been investigated for the different components of the project. However, the present project design seems to be a feasible option in terms of costs, durability and safety. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring has been developed including the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component need to adhere to and would allow assessing the changes due to the road development project. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are predicted to be not severe as not to undertake the project in accordance with the landuse plan developed for the island. The project is justifiable in light of the socio-economic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment the road development project at ADH. Mahibadhoo
(2015-10) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Maldives Road Development Cooperation. This EIA report covers road development project at Mahibadhoo, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll. This project would undertake total length of the roads that would be 2.9 km. Mahibadhoo is one of the islands in a group of islands that government has selected to undertake the road project implemented by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. Road Development project is implemented at islands where there is a huge demand for residential and commercial land. The proposed project would help to improve the living condition of the island and facilitate the focus island development at the selected island. Environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the project were assessed. The road developed and associated work with the project would have significant impacts on the island of Mahibadhoo. The impacts of the project result mainly from vegetation removal and excavation of the harbour basin to borrow the backfill material to level the road surface and levelling work carried out at the roads. The impact of the excavation activities would be of sedimentation. This impact is considered to be minor and short-term. The implementation of the project and paving the road surface would have socio-economic benefits to the central region of the Maldives. The socio-economic benefit outweighs the negative impacts of the project on the physical environment of the Mahibadhoo. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including sedimentation and stagnation control methods and measures for minimizing negative effects of generation of waste. These mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The details of the project have been established based on the landuse plan that had been developed for Mahibadhoo. Alternative designs and technologies have been investigated for the different components of the project. However, the present project design seems to be a feasible option in terms of costs, durability and safety. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring has been developed including the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component need to adhere to and would allow assessing the changes due to the road development project. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are predicted to be not severe as to not undertake the project in accordance with the landuse plan developed for the island. The project is justifiable in light of the socio-economic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.