Minister of Environment, Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan has visited Noonu Atoll Maafaru after the Planning Ministry appealed the rejection of the Maafaru airport expansion by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA).

The runway expansion at Maafaru International Airport project was rejected last week after an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) by the EPA. However, the Ministry of Planning and Infrastructure appealed the rejection the following day.

Environment Ministry said that Minister, Dr. Hussain has traveled to Maafaru with a team to closely monitor the situation of the appeal before making a decision.

The Environment Minister met with the Maafaru Island Council and its residents for first-hand information on the project before concluding his visit and returning to the capital.

A technical report will be prepared and the decision of the Minister will be informed to the EPA according to the Ministry, and the Minister’s decision will be implemented by the EPA.

As per the regulation on EIA, the Minister has to send his decision in writing within 15 working days following an appeal.