PRESS RELEASE

Regarding Violation of Dewatering Regulation

It has come to our attention that groundwater is being discharged without the permission of this Authority, in violation of Law No. 8/2020 “Water and Sanitation Act” and Regulation No. R-20/2021 "Regulation on Dewatering for Construction and Other Industrial Projects”, implemented by this Authority.

According to Regulation No. R-138/2022 (First Amendment to the Regulation on Dewatering for Construction and Other Industrial Projects), a fine of MVR 40,000 (forty thousand) shall be imposed for each day of discharge of groundwater without the permission of this Authority. If dewatering is carried out without a permit or is continued after the expiry date of the permit, the permit shall be granted or the permit shall be extended upon payment of the total amount of the penalty for the period of dewatering without the permit. According to this regulation, even though the groundwater is discharged in to the ground within the premises, extraction of groundwater with a pump would be considered as dewatering.

Additionally, pursuant to Section (3) of Article 21 of Law No. 8/2020, it is prohibited to carry out dewatering and assist dewatering in any way, without the permission of this Authority. According to this regulation, whoever authorized the pipeline or land area to dewater will be considered as a party assisting in the act of violation. The Authority will impose a fine of MVR. 5000 (Five Thousand) to MVR. 1,000,000 (One Million) under Regulation No. R-138/2022 (First Amendment to Dewatering for Construction and Other Industrial Projects Regulations) on parties who violate and assist violation of laws and regulations related to dewatering, implemented by this Authority.

Cases of carrying out dewatering without the permission of this Authority will be investigated and action will be taken in accordance with the law, without any discrimination. We request the public to inform us of any such cases of violation of dewatering regulation and related acts in construction and other industrial projects.

We would like to take this opportunity to urge the parties involved in construction and other industrial projects to abide by the laws and proceed with the necessary permits from the relevant authorities in that regard.

29 September 2022