HULHULE-MALE’ BRIDGE PROJECT

EIA for the proposed Hulhule-Male’ Bridge Project
− Trees that are being protected by the Government in order to protect species of
animal/organisms that live in such trees; and
− Trees/palms that is abnormal in structure.
This project does not require removal of trees within the protected area. However, small bushy
vegetation and medium sized trees will need to be relocated from the proposed new road around
the Male’ landing area.
3.2.6 Dewatering Regulation (Regulation No. 2013/R-1697)
This regulation is drafted under the Act number 4/93 (Maldives Environment Protection and
Preservation Act) and issued on 31st December 2013. The main purpose of the regulation is to
minimize the impact of dewatering activities on ground water table and also to decrease the
impacts on the receiving environment of the disposed water. The regulation encourages
prevention of contamination and damage to ground water table, protect the living organisms as
well as the environment from the negative impacts due to dewatering activities.
This regulation is to be enforced by EPA of the Maldives.
If dewatering is to be carried out for any development purposes in any of the islands in
Maldives, it shall be done by gaining a written approval from the enforcing agency or an agency
assigned by the enforcing body. However, dewatering done at individual level i.e., from a bore
well or for the purpose of installing a bore well and water drawn for agricultural purposes are
considered exceptions from the regulation.
Dewatering can only be to be carried out, after gaining approval by submitting “the dewatering
approval form” in the annex 1 to the enforcing body for approval with all the required
documents expressed and with an administrative fee of Rf500. Water quality tests results also
have to be submitted as one of the required component.
The regulation also guides on where and how the extracted water shall be disposed of, and how
it has to be handled. According to the regulation, permission can be granted for dewatering at a
stretch for a maximum of 28 days, for which a sum of Rf500 should be paid per day. This
amount is liable to be increased with the number of days increased.
A fine not exceeding Rf100 million may be charged for violation.
This project may require pumping water during excavation works, particularly if undertaken
during the rainy season. The proponent will be required to get an approval from EPA before
commencing excavation.
Prepared by: CDE Consulting & China Shipping Environment Technology Page| 47