An environmental activist climbed a large banyan tree in Vilimale on Thursday in an attempt to stop its removal.
Ahmed Niyaz, founder of the Maldives Space Research Organisation, positioned himself on the tree’s branches after felling operations had begun. Photos from the scene showed him lying across a limb approximately 25 feet above the ground.
Police negotiated with Niyaz and he descended of his own accord. He was not placed under arrest.
The tree is one of two banyan trees in Vilimale slated for removal. The decision followed a meeting between President Mohamed Muizzu and Vilimale residents in November 2025, during which a show of hands indicated support for cutting the trees. Some residents have claimed the trees’ roots are causing structural damage to nearby houses.
Opponents argue that technical solutions exist to protect buildings without destroying the trees. The agency responsible for the current felling work has not been publicly confirmed.
Niyaz is also known for his work with the Maldives Space Research Organisation and local agriculture initiatives.
