Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has ordered the removal of enclosed plant plots constructed near various flats in Hulhumalé.

Some people have been using the vacant ground-level spaces around the flats for personal purposes. Issues surrounding such plant enclosures, built in several areas by fencing off land and planting various fruits and vegetables like mango, wax apple, papaya, and chili, have grown significant. This issue is most prominent in Hulhumalé Phase 1.

Constructing enclosures in vacant spaces in front of flats and growing large trees inside them causes inconvenience to neighbors, while water accumulating in items like tubs leads to mosquito infestations.

Regarding this issue, HDC has issued notices for the removal of these plant enclosures.

Notice boards put up by HDC in the planted areas state that the enclosures must be removed and the areas cleared before 12:00 midnight next Friday.

HDC stated that if the items are not removed within this period, they will be treated as abandoned property, and operations to clear the areas will proceed in collaboration with relevant authorities.

HDC added that it will not take responsibility for any damage to property or items during this operation.

Plants are also grown beneath the flats in Hulhumalé Phase 2. HDC has repeatedly advised against doing so.

After issuing the notice to remove the plant enclosures, HDC sent a guideline to the flats regarding the general usage of ground-floor vacant spaces. According to the guideline, planting trees in pots and stands, or directly in the ground, is permissible. Additionally, those spaces can be used for exercise, children's play, setting up seating items, and hosting social gatherings or events.

However, the vacant spaces cannot be used for fencing, personal exclusive use, storage, laying paving stones, concreting, or carpeting. Furthermore, using fire for various activities, accumulating waste, storing flammable materials, and engaging in nuisance activities are strictly prohibited.