Unregistered iron storages asked to register in a month
The penalty for carrying out waste management work in violation of prescribed norms is a fine ranging from MVR 501 to MVR 100 million.
Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has given a month to those involved in warehousing, cleaning and recycling of aluminium, iron ore and copper to register after having instructed to not carry out such activities without obtaining permission in residential areas in the capital.
On Tuesday, the EPA issued a notification stating that there have been a lot of complaints about such activities being carried out in the capital city without obtaining permission.
The EPA announcement says:
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Under Section 16 of the Waste Management Rules, storage, treatment or recycling of waste shall be carried out only after obtaining permission from the enforcement agency
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Such activities without permission constitute a punishable offence
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Warehousing, cleaning and recycling of materials without any safety are causing serious health hazards to the health of the residents and pedestrians in the area
While such efforts may be effective in reducing the amount of waste, they should be carried out only after necessary safety measures are in place and all necessary permissions are obtained, the EPA reminded it.
Under the Waste Management Act:
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In cases where permission is required, the penalty for providing the service without permission is a fine of MVR 2,000
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The penalty for carrying out waste management work in violation of prescribed norms is a fine ranging from MVR 501 to MVR 100 million
The EPA has given 30 days time to those who are carrying out such activities without permission to apply for permission. Thus:
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During the said period, it was advised to submit the form mentioned in the Waste Management Rules to the EPA
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Directed to take necessary safety measures while carrying out the work of such materials
"Since human health and the environment in which humans live can be best protected with the cooperation of all stakeholders, we request the agency to cooperate with all such workers," the EPA said in a statement.
Complaints of various activities that endanger the safety and health of the public in Male have come to the fore.
In order to resolve the issue, the government has said that garages, workshops and other industrial establishments in Male will be relocated to Thilafushi and adjoining areas.
