Hassan Adil of Asraaruge, S. Maradhoo has been fined a total of MVR 257,000 for the illegal removal of vegetation from Laamu Atoll Mendhoo.

A Press Statement by the Ministry of Agriculture noted that the island was leased to Adil for agricultural use. However, the statement highlighted that he had went forward with removing vegetation from the island.

The Ministry revealed that an environmental impact assessment was conducted on September 10, 2018 which was later approved and issued a permit to conduct agricultural business on the island on November 25, 2018.

However the statement added that the Ministry found a 4,822 square meter area to the North East of Mendhoo, which had been cleared of vegetation to build a road in violation of the permit.

He was fined last Wednesday, and has been instructed to pay the fine within 30 days.