A constitutional case has been filed in the Supreme Court to halt the clearing of trees and the construction of housing units in the Funavalu area of Villimalé.

Under the BML Affordable Home Leasing scheme, a decision was made to build over 3,000 housing units across Malé, Villimalé, and Hulhumalé. Consequently, work has commenced to cut down large, mature Alexandrian Laurel (Funa) trees located on the land in front of Muhyiddin School in Villimalé.

Environmental protection organizations and professional associations in the construction sector have expressed deep concern regarding the negative impact such a project would have on the environment and its surroundings, as well as planning-related issues.

As a result, Humaida Abdul Ghafoor and Ahmed Ikram filed a constitutional case in the Supreme Court to hold the government accountable, ensure the protection and preservation of Villimalé’s Funavaa trees according to the law, and defend the general public interest.

In the case, they requested the Supreme Court to take action as no Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report was conducted before starting the project in Funavalu. They further requested an order prohibiting the Government and Malé City Council from carrying out any activity in that area that could damage trees granted "protected status."

Additionally, they asked the Supreme Court to order the government to update the registry of protected trees in Funavaa in accordance with regulations and to complete all legal requirements for their protection. Furthermore, as the project being carried out in Funavalu is in violation of the procedures mandated by the Constitution and laws, the case requests a ruling that such a project cannot be conducted in Villimalé Funavalu and an order for the government to terminate the project.

The Supreme Court was also asked to order the government to conduct construction and development projects in a manner that does not violate laws and regulations, ensures sustainable development, prevents the extinction of species, avoids environmental destruction, and ensures natural resources are not wasted.

In response to these concerns, the Minister of Housing, Dr. Abdulla Muththalib, has stated that the flat project will be carried out by cutting down the minimum number of trees possible on that land.

He also stated that no tree would be removed unless it is absolutely necessary.