EIA for Ha. Baarah Jetty

Executive Summary

This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report identifies potential environmental
impacts associated with the proposed Jetty construction project in Haa Alif Baarah. Ministry of
Housing and Environment is the proponent of this project but Works Corporation Limited
(WCL) is contracted to carry out the work. This EIA is prepared by Energy Consultancy Pvt.
Ltd. for Works Corporation Limited (WCL). The government has made it mandatory to conduct
EIA’s for projects involving an extensive development in sea area (such as dredging, harbor
construction, jetty construction, reclamation etc.). Extensive and  unplanned development in
Baarah bay area (where the jetty is proposed) may result in a variety of environmental issues
such as seawater pollution, loss of marine life and habitat.
Field survey was undertaken to determine existing condition around the project area and
to establish baseline conditions for future monitoring. During field visit, existing environment
(physical, marine and socio-economic environment) was examined to identify components that
would be affected by the proposed jetty development project. During the visit to the island,
stakeholder and public consultation was also carried out. Based on the findings of the field
survey, consultations and available literature on environmental impacts associated with similar
projects, potential environmental impacts were predicated for construction and operational
phase.
It is anticipated that the proposed jetty development project in Baarah bay area will have
negative impacts on the marine environment, especially during construction phase. Potential
environmental components that are likely to be affected are coral, fish and other benthic
community in the area. It should be noted that the impacts on coral, fish and other benthic
community in the area resulting from excavation work is unavoidable. However, most of the
impacts identified can be minimized by implementing the proposed mitigation measures. Most of
the negative impacts are short-term impacts and are limited to the construction phase. 
Operational phase mainly  would  involve positive  socio-economic impacts. It is
anticipated that the construction of the proposed Jetty would improve sea transport of the island
and would contribute to the inter-island transport network and provide more employment and
business opportunities. For both construction and operational phase, it is recommended to
implement the monitoring outlined in the report.

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