Environmental activist Ahmed Niyaz climbed into the canopy of a banyan tree in Vilimale’ to halt its planned removal, drawing attention to concerns over the loss of mature trees in the capital region.
The tree is scheduled for destruction after residents reported structural damage to nearby homes. Conservationists have opposed the move, arguing that mature trees provide ecological and aesthetic value that should be weighed against individual property concerns.
Police negotiated with Niyaz and removed him after he descended. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in Male’ and surrounding islands between urban development pressures and the preservation of existing greenery. Local authorities have not issued a detailed public statement on the specific case.
Similar protests have occurred in the past when large trees were targeted for removal in densely populated areas. Environmental groups continue to call for clearer guidelines on tree protection in urban planning.
