Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a statement on Sunday, disclosing that a fine of MVR 313,250 was imposed on Olhuveli Beach and Spa Maldives.
According to EPA, the resort was fined over violation of the approved Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and development concept accepted by the Ministry of Tourism.
EPA granted a period of 30 days to make the payment.
The fine was imposed under the Environment Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives, which allows the state to demand compensation for damages to the environment.
Olhuveli Beach and Spa in Kaafu Atoll is operated by Sun Siyam Resorts owned by Meedhoo MP Ahmed Siyam.
Although and EIA was conducted for further development of the resort, new water villas were built at the resort, breaching the EIA specifications.
Any changes brought to such projects must be informed to EPA before the work commences and another EIA must be conducted. However, the resort failed to follow the standard procedure.
Recently, a part of the lagoon around Olhuveli Beach and Spa was reclaimed and new rooms were constructed under a 'Dream Island' theme.
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