The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a warning that it has received numerous complaints regarding development projects ongoing in the Malé region and will take action against those found to be working in violation of issued permits.

In an announcement made yesterday, the EPA stated that it has received a significant number of complaints concerning lagoon reclamation and dredging projects being conducted in the Malé area.

The complaints include allegations of work proceeding without implementing necessary measures to mitigate adverse environmental impacts, extraction of sand from areas outside the permitted zones, and continued operations even on days when weather conditions are poor and the meteorological authority has issued yellow alerts.

The authority noted that in response to these complaints, it is currently investigating the matters and monitoring the projects.

"In connection with such complaints submitted to this authority, we are currently investigating these matters and monitoring the projects. We also wish to inform that legal action will be taken against parties found to be working in violation of their permits," stated the EPA's announcement.

The EPA has urged project implementers to conduct their work in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports approved by the authority and other issued permits.