QUETTA: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Balochistan, has placed a ban under the Environment Act 2012 on people visiting Churna island through tour operators.

The scenic spot is located in Lasbela district on the Balochistan-Sindh border.

According to a notification issued on Friday, the EPA barred tour operators from providing services to customers without obtaining NOC from the provincial Environment Department.

The authorities took the decision after receiving reports about environmental issues arising out of the visits of a large number of people through tour operators.

“We want to protect Churna island site from damage,” an EPA official said, adding that all tour operators should submit environment-friendly and security plans and pay fee to the provincial Environment Department.

Registration of tours operators will be undertaken in the office of Provincial Environment Department.

Published in Dawn, October 27th, 2018

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