150 residents fined in RAK for environment violations during Eid

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The Raqib monitoring patrols of Ras Al Khaimahs Public Works and Services Department fined 150 people for anti-environment violations during the Eid Al Fitr holiday.

The 150 included 97 visitors at the Jabal Jais mountains, said Ahmed Hamada Al Shehi, manager of public services with the department. Our staff inspectors, armed with judicial power, forced the violators to pay immediate fines.

Though trash cans and waste disposal boxes are placed everywhere in the mountains, many chose to dump their waste, leftover food, and used barbecue coal in non-designated areas, Al Shehi pointed out. Some families and tourists also vandalised the mountain walls, and trespassed the safety barriers of an ongoing road project.

A significant rise in anti-environment violations has been observed this Eid, compared to the last few months. A total of 21 marine violations were reported as well. Some families recklessly left barbecue coal, foodstuff, and plastic bags on the beach, Al Shehi said, noting that the department recently ran an open beach cleaning campaign. However, some beach goers continue to dump empty plastic bottles and bags on the sand, and even in the sea water, damaging both the scenery and the environment.

If an erring driver is caught and refuses to pay the fine, his or her Emirates ID is withdrawn until he or she appears in person at the department and pays the fine. If the driving licence is withdrawn, the fine is added to the traffic file of the driver, Al Shehi noted.

Ahmed Shaaban Originally from Egypt, I have been in Dubai since December 2005. Before coming here, I worked as an English language instructor, chief En/Ar translator, proofreader, reporter in Egypt and Qatar. I have also worked as a reporter, correspondent and simultaneous translator with two satellite channels in Dubai. I have a masters degree in media, Cairo University, 2014, a bachelor degree in English language and translation, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 1996, and three post-graduate diplomas in English language and Instruction. With over 19 years of experience in translation, interpretation, EFL instruction, and reporting. I am interested in technology, aviation, politics, as well as community, parliament and defence issues. I enjoy reading, writing, exercising, and surfing the web.