High Court on Wednesday ordered to halt Gulhifalhu reclamation project.

The order pertains to the case filed with Civil Court by environmental activist Humaida Abdul Ghafoor seeking a halt to the Gulhifalhu project, citing irrevocable damage to the environment. In his appeal to Civil Court, Humaida said that the reclamation project includes 'Kiki Reef', a rich ecological system of underwater life that has been protected since 1995, which will be wiped out if the project continues as planned.

She further said that the Maldives was debt-ridden and facing a financial crisis, and the USD 300 million project would cause irreparable damage. She sought an interim injunction to halt the project.

However, Civil Court denied an injunction to halt the project, stating that the project is part of the government's Strategic Action Plan, which aims to address the current obstacles and constraints at Male' Port to boost the economy of the Maldives. The government will have to pay a large amount of compensation if the project is halted after a long time due to the completion of phase I and phase II, Civil Court said.

Humaida appealed the decision with the High Court.

High Court granted the injunction on Wednesday, ordering a halt to the project until the court makes a final ruling.

The order comes with over 100 hectors out of the planned 150 hectors already reclaimed. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had also announced plans to reclaim an additional 85 hectors.