Thinadhoo Council to take action over chemical wastewater dumped into swamp

Thinadhoo City Council has decided to take action over the illegal dumping of chemical water and cement-contaminated wastewater into the swamp located in the southern part of Thinadhoo City.

In a post published on its social media on Saturday, the council said it is looking into reports that chemical water and cement wastewater have been discharged into the swamp. The council also shared a video showing the situation.

The video shows a pipe left in the swamp area, appearing to be connected to a construction site. However, the council did not disclose which site the pipe belonged to.

Speaking to Sun, Thinadhoo City Mayor Saud Ali said the council has decided to submit a complaint to the Environment Ministry seeking compensation for the damage caused to the swamp. He said the matter is now being handled by the council’s legal department.

The mayor said the chemicals and cement wastewater pose serious risks to the swamp’s ecosystem and the wildlife that depend on it.

“We have decided to ask the Ministry to fine those responsible. The legal department is doing that now. Chemical water will affect the animals and birds that live in the area. So we are submitting the matter to the Ministry,” Thinadhoo City Mayor Saud Ali said.

There have been occasional cases of similar damage to natural resources on islands caused by irresponsible dumping.