National Centre for Cultural Heritage has expressed concern over the damages incurred by heritage sites amid different development projects carried out on various islands.
In a statement, the heritage centre said some local councils and private parties are carrying out development projects without considering the impact it would have on heritage sites. The centre noted that some projects have also been carried out without conducting an assessment report, which is required before approving a project to be carried out near a heritage site.
The heritage centre stated that the lack of consideration towards preserving these historical landmarks would bring irreversible damage to the island as well as the whole country. The heritage centre urged local councils and private parties to abide by the Heritage Protection Act and relevant regulations when conducting development projects.
The National Centre for Cultural Heritage oversees the preservation and maintenance of all cultural heritage sites in the Maldives. The centre is run under the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage.