Environmental impact assessment for the development at A. DH. Theluveliga as A Resort Island

Abstract

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