The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has advised the public to refrain from anchoring boats and diving in Ras Malé project area.

In a statement, HDC said a dredger is operating round-the-clock between the Ras Malé sites C and E for dredging and reclamation. The corporation also released a chart illustrating the dredger’s route, highlighting the areas where operations are ongoing.

HDC stressed that it is unsafe to operate vessels or engage in diving activities in these zones, urging travellers to exercise caution when navigating nearby waters.

According to the corporation, a total of 265 hectares – 190 in Site C and 75 in Site E – are being dredged and reclaimed as of now. The reclamation work, which commenced on 21 August, is being carried out by the contractor's trailer suction hopper dredger with a capacity of 21,000 cubic metres.

The Ras Malé project involves reclaiming 1,009 hectares of land from the 1,153-hectare Fushi Dhiggaru Lagoon. To date, 129.60 hectares have been reclaimed under the scheme.