Minister of Environment Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan has stated that he will ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is run independently.

While appearing on RaajjeTV's "FalaSuruhee" programme on Monday night, the minister stated at the time of the current administration coming into power, the activities of the EPA had become very limited and the Ministry of Tourism had completely taken over the preparation of Environmental Impact Assessments. Nevertheless, the administration has since rectified this with amendments made to Tourism legislation, said the minister.

Moreover, the minister claimed that efforts have been made to empower the EPA.

Likewise, EPA will be in charge of enforcing the environment related legislation that will soon be approved and brought into effect, said the minister.

Additionally, he stated that the ministry does not interfere in the affairs of the EPA, and guaranteed that the EPA is running independently and devoid of external influence.