Manta Air Fined for Constructing Seaplane Platform at Ifuru Without ERA Permit

Manta Aviation Pvt Ltd has been fined for constructing a seaplane platform at R. Ifuru without securing the required environmental permit from the Environmental Regulatory Authority (ERA).

In a statement issued yesterday, the ERA confirmed that the company carried out the construction in violation of regulations governing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures. The agency noted that the platform was built at Ifuru, an island that hosts a domestic airport and tourist facilities  without undergoing the mandatory screening process.

Under EIA regulations, any project with the potential to cause significant environmental change or adverse impacts must be reviewed by the ERA, and formal approval must be obtained before any physical work begins. The ERA stated that Manta Aviation proceeded with the project without completing these essential steps.

Following its assessment of the case, the ERA imposed a fine of MVR 20,000 on Manta Aviation Pvt Ltd last Sunday.