The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has warned action against anyone found using dredging equipment without a proper Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in sand mining areas designated for public use.
The warning came after mounting complaints of unauthorised dredging in some regions across the country.
EPA in an announcement said these areas designated for sand mining are for essential public purposes only and the use of machinery remains strictly prohibited in such areas.
However, the agency has been receiving complaints of large amounts of sand being mined from such areas using dredging equipment in violation of the regulations, EPA said.
EPA said that each Atoll has designated areas for sand mining without the use of machinery and dredging equipment can only be used after completing the EIA process specified under the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations.
If dredging equipment is required, EPA has asked applicants to complete the EIA process in accordance with the regulations on preparing an environmental impact report in consultation with the Atoll Councils and other relevant government agencies.
EPA has urged the public to comply with the rules and regulations implemented by the agency and warned strict action against any violations.
Local councils are now tasked with managing sand mining in their respective regions, in a bid to stop unregulated dredging near islands.
The councils are authorised by the EPA to manage and provide sand for essential use to the public from designated sand mining areas.