An activist has climbed a large banyan tree in Vilimalé in an attempt to stop its removal, local reports said.
The tree, a prominent feature in the area, is understood to be scheduled for cutting as part of ongoing works. The climber remained in the tree for a period while authorities and local residents monitored the situation.
Tree removal has become a recurring point of contention in the Greater Malé region as development and road projects expand. Environmental groups and residents have previously protested the loss of mature trees that provide shade and habitat in densely built areas.
No immediate statement from the relevant local council or the developer was available at the time of reporting. The incident has been widely shared on social media.