Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that it is yet to receive more than USD17 million in fines issued over the violation of environmental laws.
EPA is a regulatory entity affiliated with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology. EPA is responsible for regulatory activities for the protection, conservation, and management of the environment and biodiversity, as well as waste management and pollution prevention under the Environment Protection and Preservation Act. As such, the agency ensures compliance with environmental regulations and laws by private and government entities and takes necessary measures over non-compliance.
EPA stated that it investigates and imposes large fines on various parties every year for violating environmental laws. As of September this year, EPA has investigated 13 cases involving individuals and companies and imposed fines on 19 parties over environmental damages. Of these, eight parties have still not paid the fine.
Statistics show that EPA has issued fines totaling USD58 million, out of which USD41 million have been paid and USD17 remains outstanding. EPA issued fines for environmental damages incurred over ships grounding on reefs, harm to protected species, illegal waste management activities, violations of beach protection regulations, as well as sand removal from the beach. The highest number of fines were issued over cases involving ships grounding on reefs, which amounts to USD15 million.
In a recent case, the EPA issued fines amounting to USD12,840 for each of the seven individuals involved in the poaching and cooking of sea turtles in Keyodhoo, Baa Atoll. The agency also issued fines over the grounding of boats near Dhidhdhoo in Haa Alifu Atoll, as well as Bodugiri, and Kudagiri in Kaafu Atoll.
EPA highlighted that one of the difficulties in obtaining payments is the lack of cooperation from state agencies that have been fined, as the agency lacks the authority to hold the agencies accountable. EPA also noted that some cases involve overseas companies that ignore fines, adding that the lengthy court trials make it difficult for the agency to obtain the payments.