New Delhi: Under the High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP) grant scheme, India has released MVR 11.5 million to the Government of Maldives as the third installment for implementing five eco-tourism zone projects in Addu City.
The first two tranches, totaling MVR 11.5 million, were released in July 2020 and March 2021, respectively.
In February 2020, India and the Maldives had signed MoUs to develop five eco-tourism zones with a total grant allocation of USD 2.49 million (MVR 38 million).
The Addu Eco-Tourism Zones are expected to increase eco-tourism options and create local jobs.
Apart from these projects currently underway, others include the construction of four fish-processing plants, the establishment of a water-bottling plant, a drug detox center, and a soil-testing lab.
In October 2021, MoUs for implementing eight additional projects were signed under an expanded grant of MVR 70 million, including the installation of street lights, the establishment of an ice plant, and the construction of a new cultural center, etc.
According to the Indian Embassy in The Maldives, New Delhi hopes that the timely completion of these projects will benefit the communities on the islands and open a new chapter in India-Maldives cooperation.
(Venky Iyer)