Environment Protection Agency (EPA), on Tuesday, stated that permission to clear several coconut palms from Addu City Square in Hithadhoo was issued on the condition that they are replanted elsewhere in Addu Atoll.
Furthermore, EPA assured that it would guarantee that the condition was fulfilled.
The residents of the region have protested against the removal of the palm trees as part of the project to revamp the city square.
The area adjacent to the Hithadhoo Police Station was first developed as a city square in preparation for the SAARC summit in 2011. The square later fell into disrepair and the rusted flag post was removed after widespread concerns of possible collapse.
The city council stated that the square, once completed, is intended to be a suitable recreational area for people of all age groups.
Re-developing and inaugurating the Addu City Square was among the current administration's 100-day pledges.
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