On October 5, the Teleinform news agency reported that Irkutsk regional authorities had decided to begin regulating tourist flow to Olkhon Island. This was announced by regional governor Sergei Levchenko at a press conference during the Baikal Press 2018 festival.
"– The situation on the island is completely inconsistent with current regulations and legislation in general. We are exploring options, considering how to reduce the anthropogenic impact on the island. I wouldn't focus solely on Chinese tourists. There are simply more of them than others. Some tourists think they're only here for a short stay and can behave however they please. This attitude is often characteristic of everyone, including Russian tourists," the governor said.
It was later added that the lake's condition continues to deteriorate due to the large influx of tourists, so six wastewater treatment companies have been selected for nearby settlements. Strict controls on visiting the island and on behavior within its territory will be introduced for tourists.
According to the governor, the technologies and quality of water purification will be assessed as early as the end of 2018.
Source: trn-news.ru