Environment - ތިމާވެށި
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Item 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 ޖަމީލްItem 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 ނަޢިމްItem 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.Item 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, HassanThis 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.Item 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, HassanThis 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.Item 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, HassanThis 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.Item 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.Item 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, IbrahimNon 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.Item 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, HassanItem Environmental and social impact assessment : for the proposed construction of housing units in Thulusdhoo, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives(National Disaster Management Centre, 2008-09) Aleem, AbdulThis 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.