The residents of Baa Dhonfanu have started protesting against President Mohamed Muizzu's decision not to carry out the island's reclamation project.

In a post on social media X earlier today, Muizzu said the residents of Dhonfanu no longer want the reclamation project for their island.

But Dhonfanu council President Ahmed Irushad said it was not true.

"The President lied. Dhonfanu residents want the reclamation project. Even now, a lot of people are protesting," Irushad said.

An online petition was created to halt the planned reclamation as it could cause serious damage to the biodiversity of the protected Hanifaru Bay area.

Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) was contracted to reclaim 13 hectares of land in Dhonfanu, an island with just 398 people.

The project agreement was signed on August 13 during Muizzu's visit to the island.

Hanifaru Bay covers an area of ​​529 hectares. The reefs in the area are used as cleaning stations by the mantas. There is a USD 20 fee to snorkel in the area, and scuba diving is banned.

Earlier this year, the Environment Ministry announced a plan to protect the area for the next five years.

According to the plan, the biggest threat to the Hanifaru Bay Area is development projects around the area, especially land reclamation projects.