We will not allow people to use COVID-19 as an excuse to breach environmental regulations, says Environment Minister Dr Mahendra Reddy.
He made the comment during a celebration to mark World Ozone Day in Nadi on Wednesday.
“We will neither allow nor change our environmental regulations and legislations due to COVID-19,” he said.
Dr Reddy said the ministry would not make any policy changes that could have catastrophic effects on the environment and future generations as well.
“We have an obligation to protect our environment’s natural resources and we are also responsible for our succeeding generations.”
He claimed the industrial sector was seeking quick approval of environmental impact assessment (EIA) reports under the pretext of providing employment because of COVID-19, but this would not be entertained.
“I want to make this very clear and the message conveyed that we will not look at this short-term issue to make a policy change in allowing quick approval of EIAs.”
