Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that each island should have its own Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report in order to facilitate long-term development plans.
The EPA is responsible for upholding guidelines and standards related to EIAs, as well as evaluating EIA reports, which are required before implementing any project that could potentially impact the environment. The agency grants permission to conduct development projects in the country after evaluating the reports and recommending changes to minimise any adverse effects on the environment.
Speaking to PSM News, Director General Ibrahim Naeem highlighted the increase in the number of EIA reports submitted to the EPA. He noted that some reports are poorly researched or does not have all the relevant information, which causes various issues such as delays in commencing projects and financial burdens on institutions and contractors. He added that incomplete reports are often returned for corrections, sometimes as many as four times, which usually occurs when consultants are not given sufficient time to conduct the assessment.
Additionally, Naeem emphasised that every development project inherently brings about changes in the environment, resulting in some degree of impact. He, therefore, stressed that the primary purpose of EIA reports is to assess the environmental condition of the project site prior to commencement, identify the potential changes that will occur after implementation, and evaluate measures to mitigate any adverse effects. He further highlighted the importance of allowing sufficient time for conducting base line studies and data collection for the reports, as in both seasons, researchers need to look at the changes in tide and how the sand circulates around the islands.
Furthermore, Naeem underscored the importance of formulating individual EIA reports for each island to facilitate long-term development planning. He pointed out that the current practice of formulating separate EIA reports for each development project is time-consuming and costly. Instead, he advocated for the adoption of a single EIA report for each island, following the approach already implemented by resorts. This approach would enhance the efficiency of development projects.