587 UAE entities fined, warned for violating environmental laws

At least 587 industrial establishments were issued fines or given warnings by the Ajman Municipality for environmental violations in 2020. The actions were taken in the emirate during 2,267 inspections that were carried out the department throughout the year.

Abdulrahman Al Nuaimi, Director General of Ajman Municipality, said that the inspections were planned throughout the year and it was aimed at reducing illegal activities and maintaining the general appearance of the city.

The violations include placing discarded material, objects or waste outside the premises. The inspections also targeted violations in the plastic industry, diesel trade and oil refining facilities, manufacture of lubricants, sale and repair of car spare parts, scrap metal, smelting, blacksmithing and welding industries.

Inspection campaigns were carried out in the evenings to ensure facilities adhered to environmental standards. Errant establishments were granted a grace period to make adjustments in accordance with environmental safety requirements following which action would be taken against them.

Al Nuaimi informed that the inspection campaigns were modified at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic as part of the municipality’s efforts to maintain a healthy environment.

“The campaigns aim to raise environmental awareness among all sectors of the society, especially workers in industrial establishments. They have to oblige to implement the highest standards of occupational and environmental safety requirements and amending the environmental situation,” said Al Nuaimi.

He pointed out that establishments that do not comply with the environmental requirements are subject to warning, fines and also closure of the facility based on the seriousness of case or if pledge to meet environmental requirements has exceeded the specified period.