An environmental activist climbed a large banyan tree in Vilimale’ on Thursday in an attempt to stop municipal workers from cutting it down.
Ahmed Niyaz, founder of the Maldives Space Research Organisation, positioned himself across a branch roughly 25 feet high after several large limbs had already been severed. Police later reached him using a telehandler and negotiated his voluntary descent. He was not arrested.
The tree is one of two banyan trees that President Mohamed Muizzu said would be removed after a show-of-hands vote during a community meeting with Vilimale’ residents in November 2025. Residents have complained that the trees’ roots and branches damage nearby houses.
Opponents argue that the trees have historical value and that technical measures could protect buildings without felling them. Former President Mohamed Nasheed has previously described one of the trees as holding a century of history.
It remains unclear which agency is carrying out the current work. Male’ City Council has not issued a public statement on the latest operation.
Niyaz is also known for leading Binheyo, an initiative focused on local agriculture and food security. Police said the trimming was being done in line with regulations and that officers assist when trees create safety hazards.
The incident follows earlier controversy over the same trees, including a previous unauthorised felling in a public park that the council said it was investigating.