Decades-Old Trees Uprooted Near Atoll Fihaara Area
Photo: MV+
Decades-old trees providing shade in the Atoll Fihaara area, opposite Malé’s North Harbour, have been uprooted, drawing concern from environmental advocates.
The trees, which stood in front of Atoll Fihaara area in a busy section of the market area frequently used by pedestrians, shopkeepers and harbour users, were removed today.
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It's sad and heartbreaking to see the uprooting of a decades-old shady tree in the payments, nothing to do with roads, near Atoll Fihaarathah, opposite the North Harbor #Malécity, #Maldives The road could have expanded to the harbor, untouched by the trees. pic.twitter.com/aqLPz5or91— Bluepeace (@bluepeacemv) December 21, 2025
Environmental NGO Bluepeace criticised the removal, saying the trees were uprooted from pavements and were not directly obstructing road development. “It’s sad and heartbreaking to see the uprooting of a decades-old shady tree in the pavements, nothing to do with roads, near Atoll Fihaara area, opposite the North Harbour,” Bluepeace said in a post shared on X. The organisation added that road expansion could have been directed towards the harbour side without disturbing the trees.
The area around Atoll Fihaara and the North Harbour experiences heavy daily traffic, including loading and unloading activities, market customers and vehicles accessing the harbour. The trees had long provided shade and relief from heat for people using the area.
The trees were uprooted as part of the ongoing expansion and development project of the Boduthakurufaanu Magu. The uprooting has renewed calls from environmental groups for greater consideration of urban greenery during development projects in Malé.
The Atholhu Fihaara which form a key part of the market area near the North Harbour, were established in the mid-1990s and have since remained a central hub for trade and daily commerce in Malé.
