Nilandhoo lagoon to be reclaimed for tourist resorts, Nilandhoo Council says.

Nilandhoo Council President Ali Ahmed told 'One' on Tuesday that the Council met with the residents to get their opinion on the matter as per Tourism Ministry's request.

"Majority of the residents support Tourism Ministry's idea of reclaiming 10 hectares to develop two resorts. Nilandhoo has a big lagoon. There's not a sandbank in the lagoon either. So the One Island One Resort Policy would be a success in this area," Ali Ahmed said.

Ali Ahmed said that the development of two resorts would not benefit Nilandhoo much as the island would lose an area under its jurisdiction. He added that the Council will submit a motion during the meeting on Wednesday as a majority of the residents support the development of resorts in Nilandhoo lagoon.

He further added that even though the island would lose area in it's jurisdiction, there would be some benefits from it.

"We estimate the resorts would open up about 400 jobs. This would benefit the youth who enter the job market every year. This is also why the residents support the idea, because it would benefit their businesses as well," he said.

Ali Ahmed said he has come to know that bidding will open next month for the resort development in the area.

Tourism Ministry had previously stated their interest in developing resorts in lagoons surrounding inhabited island.