The government has started the reclamation of Noonu Vihafaru lagoon without completing the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

The reclamation began yesterday (January 28) ahead of the April 4 local council elections. Noonu atoll residents said two excavators were at the site.

However, the EIA report for the project has not yet been publicised. It is understood that the survey team was scheduled to visit the site today (January 29).

Adhadhu understands that the team is scheduled to stay in Noonu Velidhoo. The four-member team had planned to work on the EIA until February 4.

President Mohamed Muizzu pledged to reclaim the lagoon and build a new airport. He reiterated the pledge during a visit to Noonu atoll in July 2025.

“I would like to announce that the practical work to build the airport in Vihafaru will begin early next year," he said during an event Fohdhoo.

But the Vihafaru lagoon was included in the Noonu Raafushi lease agreement for seaplane operations of a resort under construction.

During the presidential election campaign, Muizzu said he would work within the law to remove the lagoon from the Raafushi lease agreement.

The government has so far not disclosed any updates on removing the lagoon from the Raafushi lease agreement.

Earlier, the Muizzu administration began reclamation of the industrial island in Velidhoo without carrying out the EIA.