Gov’t Amends Regulation To Expedite Environmental Impact Assessments For Priority Projects
Heavy machinery operating at the Ras Malé reclamation site | Photo: The President’s Office
The government has amended the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulation to accelerate the review process for priority infrastructure development projects.
Under existing rules, an impact assessment study must be submitted to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment before the commencement of any development project that could potentially affect the environment. However, the time-consuming nature of conducting EIAs has been cited as a cause of significant delays to key projects, prompting concern among developers.
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The revised regulation introduces an expedited process for projects designated as priorities by the Cabinet or a Cabinet committee. The Ministry of Tourism and Environment stated that all environmental safeguards will remain in place, with the Minister authorised to implement measures for faster processing. The amendment includes a 42-month moratorium during which such measures can be applied.
According to the Ministry, the change is intended to streamline administrative procedures, enabling the faster implementation of government-led development initiatives while ensuring environmental protections are upheld.
