Several palm trees near the Laamu Hithadhoo saltwater mangrove have been damaged and cut down.
Photos circulating on social media show many of the trees were severely damaged and cut down.
Hithadhoo Council President Ibrahim Shamoon told Adhadhu that a police team went to the island on Monday to investigate the incident.
He said more than eight palm trees had been cut down and noted that there had been no dispute or unrest among the people for such an incident to occur.
The damaged area has benches set up by a local NGO with the permission of the council.
'Hithadhoo Mangrove Adventure' activities. -- Photo: Facebook
"I am not blaming anyone, but the 'Hithadhoo Mangrove Adventure' we are running in mangrove has been promoted a lot and is getting investors' attention," Shamoon said.
"That might be the reason for this. The damage was centered in the area where we carry out that program."
Shamoon said it was difficult to believe that a person from Hithadhoo would do such a thing.
"If this was done by an islander, that person has no love for this island."
