Residents of B. Dhonfanu have begun a protest against the government's decision to drop the land reclamation project on the island. 

Following strong public opposition, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced today that the administration will not go forward with the land reclamation project in Dhonfanu. 

Dhonfanu Council President Ahmed Irushad told Mihaaru News that the crowds of the island's residents have gathered in protest near the island council's offices following the President's announcement. They are demanding that the land reclamation project be expedited. 

Irushad said that the government had not consulted with the council nor residents before deciding to revert the decision. This, he said, is the reason why protests have broken out. 

The government earlier announced a project to dredge 13 hectares of land from the Dhonfanu lagoon to address housing woes on the island. 

However, with Dhonfanu being located close to protected Hanifaru Bay, the move was met with heavy criticism and strong opposition from environmental conservationists and the public. 

In a post on X today, the President stated that development pledges for islands are made in response to requests from their residents. He emphasized that the government would not pursue actions opposed by the public.

"This is an administration that works closely with the public, towards goals desired by the public," the President stated. 

"As such, I pledged a land reclamation project in B. Dhonfanu based on requests from the island's residents. An agreement was also signed to fulfil this pledge. However, I have now learned from the public that they do not approve of this. Hence, I inform you that the government will not go forward with reclaiming land in that island," the President wrote. 

Hanifaru is located about a kilometer away to the east of Dhonfanu. 

Hanifaru Bay, renowned for spotting whalesharks and manta rays is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is highly popular amongst both tourists and locals. 

The currents at Hanifaru Bay are unique and distinct from other areas. This attracts large aggregations of whalesharks and manta rays especially during the southwest monsoon for feeding. As whalesharks and rays are endangered, the area is of importance even on a global scale. 

Meanwhile, Irushad has said before that there are about 100 residents on Dhonfanu - which has a population of about 400 - who are in need of housing. Dhonfanu is filled to capacity now, he said, with no available space to grant housing plots. He has previously appealed to the government to arrange housing for these residents.