Transport Minister Denies Report Claiming Government Plans Land Reclamation in Dharavandhoo

Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen has rejected a report by a local media claiming that the government plans to carry out land reclamation in the lagoon area of Dharavandhoo, Baa Atoll.

Local media “Adhadhu” reported that the government had decided to reclaim part of the lagoon located approximately one kilometre from the protected Hanifaru Bay. The report alleged that the designated reclamation site is the lagoon area where solar panels are currently installed, situated closest to the protected zone. The media attributed the information to a document they had acquired detailing the land reclamation plans. 

However, Minister Ameen dismissed the claim as inaccurate. In a social media post, he said false information had circulated regarding a purported runway extension reclamation at Dharavandhoo Airport.

False information circulating on media regarding runway extension reclamation at Dharavandhoo Airport is inaccurate.
The Government’s current plan for DRV Airport is focused on upgrading airport facilities and enhancing terminal infrastructure to improve passenger experience and…— Mohamed Ameen (@ameen3d) February 27, 2026

He clarified that the government’s current plans for the airport focus on upgrading existing facilities and enhancing terminal infrastructure to improve passenger experience and operational efficiency, not on undertaking land reclamation in the lagoon.