The Balochistan government has begun to plan the development of its coastal areas, aiming to use their rich resources to improve the living standards of the people. Despite having abundant resources, the coastal areas in Balochistan are among the least developed regions and lack even basic amenities. “The Balochistan Coastal Development Authority (BCDA) is working on the planning of the coastline in order to determine the future feasibility of development and preservation of natural ecosystems,” Director of BCDA Munir Baloch said. He said that the province possessed a plethora of tourist attractions along its 750-kilometre-long coastal belt. He said that construction work on the eco-tourism resorts, beach parks, floating jetties and rest areas was already in progress to cater for the needs of local and foreign tourists. “Almost 90 per cent work on construction of tourist resorts in Kund Malir, Gadani, Aurmara, Jiwani, Gwadar and Kalmat has been completed. The government is developing the coastal areas in order to boost the blue economy,” Munir said. He said the government would preserve marine resources and the coastal ecosystem with plantations. “The government is striving to provide quality services to tourists in a safe environment,” said Wahid Balidini, a consultant for the project in the provincial planning department.

He said that the Balochistan government has spent Rs250 million on the establishment of five beach parks along the coastal belt. He added that BCDA was set up to regulate commercial activities and ensure modern facilities in the area. “The government has posted 215 lifeguards to facilitate the tourists and provide protection to them,” he said, adding that the provincial government is taking concrete measures to promote domestic tourism that could contribute to the exchequer. With a 750-kilometre-long coastline and important ports like Gwadar, Pasni, Jiwani and Somiani, Balochistan has a lot of potential to draw both local and foreign tourists. One of the most fertile marine ecosystems in the world is found in this region, which is home to 60 fish species, 10 varieties of prawns and rare sightings of the Arabian Humpback whale. Moreover, Kund Malir Beach, which is located in Hingol National Park, is ranked among Asia’s top 50 beaches. This beach is a well-known jewel among Pakistan’s many beaches, adding to the area’s alluring coastal attractiveness and natural beauty.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)