Afcons appeal MVR 69 million fine for Vilimale’ reef damage

India’s Afcons Infrastructure undertaking the construction of the Thilamale’ Bridge has appealed the fine of MVR 69 million with respect to the damages caused to Vilimale’ reef from the wrecking of a self-elevating platform used in the construction of the bridge.

An official from Environment Ministry confirmed that the fine has been appealed to Sun on Monday,

“The appeal process is still ongoing, therewith, we will not disclose any further information,” the official added.

The self-elevating platform used by India’s Afcons Infrastructure for the construction of the Thilamale’ Bridge wrecked on the Vilimale’ reef on August 16. Three workers were injured in the incident.

It was refloated after nearly two weeks, on August 27. Meanwhile, the cleaning of the debris from the area was completed on September 4. Photos shared by EPA in September following their survey showed the incident resulted in four large craters on the reef. They later detailed that wrecking of the platform on the Vilimale’ reef resulted in damages to a 2,755 square meter area of the reef.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fined Afcons by MVR 69, 411, 800 on November 13, to be paid within a 30-day timeframe including government holidays.

The 30-day timeframe will expire tomorrow.