Trees in Hulhumale' cut down

The trees in Hulhumale' located near the Government flats are currently being cut down.

Speaking to Miadhu, HDC Managing Director Mohamed Saima today said the large trees were being cut down as those trees were not originally part of the plan, adding that replacement trees will be planted there.

'We're not cutting down trees. It's a relocation,'

He said the leaves and other refuse from the trees contributed to the garbage problem and damaged the asphalt in the area.

Saima added that this should have been done five years ago, but was delayed day to many reasons.

Residents of the area said the trees provided ample shade and urged not to cut them without planting and growing replacement trees. They said this would significantly reduce the potential issues.

Though HDC said that only one species of trees will be cut down, looking at the trees cut down, it is already clear that many other species had already been cut down.

Based on current projections, if HDC continues to cut trees indiscriminately then the citizens of the area will be exposed to high temperatures during daytime.

The site supervisor said that 'these trees were planted by Maumoon. You're not inconvenienced by the garbage. The asphalt is getting destroyed. We'll cut down the trees, plant them again. Come tomorrow, there will be no trees,'

The trees were planted during President Maumoon's tenure.