News Desk
An environmental activist climbed a large banyan tree in Villingili and lay across its branches today to halt cutting work after authorities moved in to remove the landmark.
Ahmed Niyaz, founder of the Maldives Space Research Organisation, scrambled up the tree to protest its removal, temporarily bringing the felling operation to a halt. He remained on the banyan branches for hours before climbing down following extended negotiations with police officers who arrived at the scene.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that Niyaz stayed aloft on the foliage for a prolonged period, refusing to budge until officers intervened. Police eventually escorted Niyaz away from the scene after he descended, though he was not placed under arrest.
The removal of the two large banyan trees in Villingili was ordered after residents complained that their expanding roots were causing structural damage to nearby properties. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced the decision to cut down the trees during a public meeting with Villingili residents in November last year.
Photo courtesy: YouTube screenshot via JWF
