Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has decided to impose a fine of MVR 69 million on the Indian company Afcons who are constructing the Male'-Vilimale' bridge, after one of their platforms had ran aground and damaged the Vilimale' reef. However, they have not yet informed Afcons on their decision yet.
A platform used to conduct geo-technical surveys had run aground onto the Vilimale' reef on August 16 of this year. It took Afcons 12 days to move the platform.
The delay had lead to the reef to be severely damaged, resulting in holes near 10 feet deep in some areas.
Local media Mihaaru News had confirmed that EPA has decided to fine Afcons by MVR 69 million.
Director General of EPA Ibrahim Naeem said that they would release a statement after the formalities regarding this case have been completed.
Afcons did not accept the first report by EPA after conducting a survey of the Villimale' reef. Therefore, EPA allowed AFCONS to conduct a survey as well.
The fine was announced nearly three months after the incident. Environmental organisations have expressed concern over the delay by EPA in taking action.
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