News

EPA issues fine to Feevah Council for illegal sand extraction

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a large fine to Feevah Island Council for illegally removing sand and small corals from an area to develop a children's park in Feevah, Shaviyani Atoll.

EPA stated on August 7, 2022, following a complaint filed with the agency, it was confirmed that 25 baskets of sand and 20 baskets of small corals had been removed and used for the construction of a children's park. EPA issued a fine of USD5,440 and ordered the council to pay the fine within 30 days, including public holidays.

According to the Environmental Protection Act, it is prohibited to retrieve sand and small corals within a certain island boundary. Local councils have been fined for illegal sand extracting in the past.