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EPA fined company for tug accident
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fined India's MM Export for damages sustained to Haa Alifu atoll Dhidhdhoo lagoon wotj MVR 100 million, when the "Mutha Princess" and a barge carrying rock boulders capsized in the Dhidhdhoo lagoon on May 1, 2023. While the MM Export righted the barge easily, it took four days for the company to right the tug boat with the help of another tug dispatched from Malé. The EPA conducted an environmental impact assessment following the incident, and discovered severe damages to an area of 4,038 square meters of the lagoon. Under the Penalty and Liability Regulation of the EPA, the company received a fine of MVR 100,000,000, which stands as the highest prescribed penalty for environmental damage under the regulation. The EPA demanded the local agent of the vessels, HRS Infratech Private Limited to settle the fine within 30 days from the date of issuance. The exact calculated damage to the reef amounted to MVR 101,743,400; which however cannot be levied on the company since the regulation does not enforce fines above MVR 100 million. The EPA also has initiated legal proceedings, in collaboration with the Attorney General's Office, to obtain the specified sum. Report with photo: https://edition.mv/news/29263
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