The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Balochistan has sealed some factories after issuing notices to a number of industries in Hub and Lasbela District on violation of environment laws. However, following a timely intervention by the Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the EPA has de-sealed the factories and withdrawn notices. This was disclosed by the Chairman, LCCI’s Standing Committee on Environment, Mr Ismail Suttar at a press conference here at LCCI Office Building HITE, Hub. “Lasbela Chamber has always been in contact with Environment Protection Agency (EPA), Balochistan and the member Industries in connection with the total compliance of Environmental Laws,” said the chairman adding in result of this coordination which started in 2010 awareness was created amongst the business community of Lasbela District. “However, due to inactive response of the EPA Balochistan the momentum of this work slowed down.” After a long time EPA started sending the notices to the industries inviting their attention towards the importance of the compliance of Environmental Laws. In this process they started sealing those factories which were, in their opinion, grossly violating the laws. Lasbela Chamber intervened and requested the EPA Balochistan to give some time as the work of Environmental Assessment to prepare the report requires much time. The Chamber also coordinated with consultants and the industries were advised to initiate the working on the assessment latest by 30th July, 2018. “The EPA Balochistan was kind enough to give some time to those industries who initiated the working on this issue with the help of the Chamber,” told the chairman. Ismail Suttar clarified that after the expiry of this deadline the Lasbela Chamber would not be able to help any industry in this respect and they have to face legal consciousness.