Kulhudhuffushi council has confirmed that more than 2,500 trees from the mangrove region would be either felled or removed for the planned development of the airport.
The state had already notified the island's council of the exact details of the area used from the infamous Kulhudhuffushi mangrove for airport construction and Housing Ministry had already advised the council to settle the forecast damages.
Earlier Kulhudhuffushi council had issued permission for felling the trees in the designated area, which was condemned Regional Airports and EPA.
The island's council had thus revoked the permission on the day of its announcement.
The planned area for dislodging trees, is rich with foliage and home to eight rare species of swamp trees. Apart from this the mangrove is home to several seasonal birds.
Government had planned to reclaim 6 hectors from the mangrove for airport development, attracting strong criticism and discord from both islanders and pro-environment organizations and groups. Recently several environmentalists had gathered in front of the Environment Ministry voicing stern remarks about their disinterest in reclaiming a portion of the 22 hector mangrove.
Meanwhile several prominent figures had also voiced their sentiments against tarnishing the mangrove area, which had included comments from former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom as well.
