Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has warned of strict penalties for individuals who illegally collect sand from beaches.
In a statement, EPA said it has received numerous complaints about illegal collection of sand from uninhabited islands, sandbanks and picnic islands which causes island erosion and other environmental issues. The authority said it will fine and take strict penalties for those violating the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives.
The statement further revealed information regarding islands from which sand can be collected will be available from island councils and urged not to collect sand from any other island.
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