Environment Ministry have said that the reef of Meedhoo was blasted because there was no other option and the permission to blast the reef was given only in this case and not in general.
According to a statement released by Environment Ministry, the reef had to be blasted because, it was impossible to make the water way using conventional methods. Also the contractors of the projected tried many other ways for over a year according to the statement. The statement further said that, they took this action after amending the environmental impact assessment report. In addition, the statement says that the permission was given after doing the required assessments to see the impact on the environment by blasting the reef. Also the permission was given on the condition that the work will be carried out in a manner which will be least harmful to the environment.
Ministry said that, a channel had to be made in the area because, fishermen and travelers have to spend a lot on fuel because they have to take a longer route. The project was hence designed after consulting with the people of the island.
“The permitted area for blasting is a very small area compared to the total size of the reef. So this work is not blasting the whole reef in anyway” says the statement.
Environment Ministry revealed that they will continue to work towards sustainable development of Maldives with other relevant authorities of the government. An expert on the field, speaking to Miadhu said that, blasting the reef will have a huge impact on the ecosystem and there are advanced ways to do this without blasting the reef.
The total length of the reef is around 25 kilometers.
Reef was blasted because there was no other option : Environment Ministry
