ERA Warns of Action Over Alleged Permit Breaches in Male’ Atoll Dredging Projects
Dredging and land reclamation work under way at Hulhumalé Phase 2.| Photo: MV+
The Environmental Regulatory Authority (ERA) has warned it will take action against any parties found to be violating permits issued for dredging and land reclamation in lagoons in Male’ Atoll.
In a statement, the authority said it had received “a large number of complaints” concerning dredging and reclamation work in Malé Atoll. The complaints allege sand is being extracted from areas outside the zones authorised under permits, and that work has continued on days when the Maldives Meteorological Service issued a “yellow alert” related to sand mining.
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“Following the complaints received by the authority, we are now investigating the issues and monitoring the projects. We also call for legal action against those who violate the permits,” the ERA said.
The regulator urged project owners to comply with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report and other approvals issued by the authority. It also highlighted concerns about projects continuing work despite yellow alerts.
The government is currently reclaiming land for three islands in Hulhumalé and Rasmalé as part of its housing projects. The ERA did not identify who it believes may have breached the permits.
The government has said the reclamation is being carried out in accordance with the EIA.
