Responding to Mihaaru News’ Right to Information request, EPA revealed that as of November 14, the state has only recovered MVR 50,000 from 24 cases. The unpaid fines total MVR 825,978,942.81, with many involving penalties imposed on foreign owned vessels.
More than MVR 825 million in fines for environmental damage cases remain unpaid, according to figures from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Responding to Mihaaru News’ Right to Information request, EPA revealed that as of November 14, the state has only recovered MVR 50,000 from 24 cases. The unpaid fines total MVR 825,978,942.81, with many involving large penalties imposed on foreign owned vessels.
The maximum fine of MVR 100 million under the Environmental Protection Act has been imposed in six cases, all involving foreign vessels that caused significant damage to coral reefs:
- A barge "Olympic Kandilo" that ran aground on Fuvahmulah reef
- A tugboat "TB Mutha" and barge "Mutha Pride" that grounded on Haa Alifu Dhidhdhoo reef
- A barge "AM AAGAM" and tugboat "ALPIT" that grounded on Kaafu Vaavehdhi reef
- AM AAGAM grounding on Vaavu Maagulhi reef
- A barge "BG Seapara 3" that ran aground on Kaafu Himmafushi reef
- Tugboat "Mutha Royal" and barge "Mutha Grace" that grounded on Kaafu Fushidhiggaru reef
Foreign companies are the primary defaulters in these cases.
India's AFCONS was imposed a fine of MVR 69 million for reef damage caused by its barge which ran aground on Vilimale' reef during the construction of the Thilamale’ Bridge. AFCONS has refused to pay, claiming the fine as too high, and filed a civil suit against the state. The case has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Office.
The smallest of the unpaid fines imposed was levied on a vessel of Sunrise Maldives Pvt Ltd of MVR 5,000, for illegally entering the protected Baa Atoll Hanifaru Bay area.
EPA and the Attorney General's Office highlighted several challenges in recovering fines, including EPA lacking the authority to directly pursue court cases for fine recovery and the increasing number of foreign vessels leave the Maldives without settling their fines.
EPA and the AG’s Office were summoned to the Parliament's Committee on Environment and Climate Change in October to address the issue. Officials emphasized the need for stronger legal mechanisms to enforce environmental penalties.
EPA estimates an significant increase in violations by foreign companies who leave the country without setting fines over the past three years.
The cargo ship that ran aground on Rasfari Reef -- Photo: Mohamed Shahid
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