Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has halted efforts to remove palm trees from Kelaa, Haa Alifu Atoll by a private party.
Speaking at a press conference, Minister of State for Environment Ali Naseer said the incident is currently under investigation. He added EPA has also investigated a similar complaint from Baarah, Haa Alifu Atoll and has found that palm trees were removed as part of the project to develop a sewerage system in the island. He said EPA has permitted to remove over 600 palm trees to make way for the project.
EPA has previously said efforts are underway to amend the regulations on the removal and the transport of palm trees, although the details of the amendments were not mentioned.
Speaking at the press conference, Assistant Director General of EPA Dr Ibrahim Mohamed expressed most palm trees were removed to make way for development projects.
Lately, complaints and concerns have been raised by the public against the removal of palm trees from inhabited islands to be planted in tourist resorts. Further, there have been cases reported on the illegal export of palm trees from Maldives.