In news- Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that no decision has been reached on opening an Indian consulate in its southern Addu Atoll. A “#SaveAddu” social media campaign is organised by a section of Maldivians sceptical of another Indian mission presence, in addition to the Embassy in Male.
About Addu atoll-
- Addu Atoll, also known as Seenu Atoll, is the southernmost atoll of the Maldives.
- Administratively, Addu Atoll is the location of Addu City, one of the three cities of the Maldives.
- Addu City consists of the inhabited areas of Addu Atoll, namely the natural islands of Hulhudhoo, Meedhoo, Maradhoo, Feydhoo, and Hithadhoo and uninhabited islands.
- Addu is the second largest city in the Indian Ocean archipelago.
- Unlike other atolls of the Maldives, it has a lagoon that is a natural anchorage, accessible through four natural channels.
- This results in a natural harbor that is very calm and safe for sea vessels at all times and is not affected by seasonal changes.
- The four channels are arranged around the atoll are — the Kuda channel and Maa channel on the north, the Gan channel on the south, and the broad Villingili channel on the southeast.
- The islands are protected from the storms and high waves of the Indian Ocean by barrier reefs.
- There are small lakes, wetlands, and marshy taro fields that are unique to Addu Atoll.
- During the Second World War, it was the site of a secret Royal Navy base called HMS Haitan.
- The dialect spoken is called “Addu bas”.
- India is helping to build a $33-million Maldivian police training facility in Addu.
Source: The Hindu
