The Environmental Regulatory Authority (ERA) has warned of legal action against operators breaching permit conditions following complaints of environmental violations in land reclamation projects across Kaafu Atoll.
In a statement issued on Monday, the ERA said it has received multiple reports of non-compliance during ongoing works, including failure to apply required mitigation measures, sand mining outside permitted zones, and continuing operations despite yellow weather alerts.
The authority is closely monitoring project progress and vowed to enforce penalties under the law against any violators.
Operators were urged to strictly comply with procedures and safeguards outlined in approved Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports and permit conditions.
Several lagoons in Kaafu Atoll are being reclaimed mainly for resort development, while the government advances major public projects in Hulhumalé Phase III, Rasmalé, Giraavaru Falhu, and Gulhifalhu.
The government insists that all public reclamation initiatives fully adhere to environmental assessments and incorporate necessary safety and mitigation measures.