Section 7: Powers of Minister

7. Powers of Minister Subject to any direction by the Commission, the Minister shall for the purposes of this Act— (a) propose and develop policies on all aspects of environmental protection and management pursuant to national objectives and goals set by the Commission from time to time; (b) coordinate and monitor all environmental management programmes, and where he deems necessary, issue directions to any public department or local authority for the promotion of such programmes; (c) refer for investigation reports of pollution, spills, and other related cases for redress and for prosecution; (d) establish such standards for the protection of the air, land and water as may be necessary to safeguard the human health and the environment; (e) carry out research and commission studies on environmental quality and related matters; [Issue 5] E12 – 8 Revised Laws of Mauritius (f) prepare environmental action plans and issue reports on the state of the environment in co-operation with other public departments, the National Network for Sustainable Development, and non-governmental organisations or associations; (g) initiate and coordinate action required in a state of environmental emergency or any other situations which may pose a serious threat to the environment; (h) appoint technical advisory committees or other committees; (i) publish and disseminate information concerning the protection of the environment; (j) carry out such other activities as may be necessary or expedient for the administration of this Act.