Authorities sealed part of a hotel near Attabad Lake after a viral video revealed raw sewage pouring into the scenic waterway. This Attabad Lake sewage dumping incident has sparked alarm over environmental and tourism impacts.
Vlogger Uncovers Waste Discharge
Foreign travel vlogger George Buckley shared footage showing untreated wastewater flowing from the hotel into Attabad Lake. He said locals tipped him off about the pollution. The video highlighted a stark contrast between tainted and pristine water sections.
“There’s no official paperwork to dispute this,” Buckley stated as he confirmed that Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials had sealed part of the hotel. His post prompted quick intervention by regional authorities.
Immediate Government Response
The Gilgit-Baltistan government dispatched EPA inspectors to assess the situation. They confirmed the pollution claims and sealed the offending section. Authorities also committed to inspecting nearby hotels and resorts to prevent further contamination.
Local Concerns Surface
Residents in the area have long warned about the lack of proper sewage connections for hotels, resorts, and homes around Attabad Lake. According to locals, untreated waste ultimately drains into the lake and downstream into the Indus River. These practices threaten aquatic wildlife and risk contaminating water supplies.
Attabad Lake’s Growing Importance
Formed by a massive landslide in 2010, Attabad Lake has become a major tourist attraction due to its vibrant turquoise waters and stunning mountainous backdrop. Boat rides, fishing, and scenic tours draw thousands each year. However, pollution from sewage dumping now threatens the site’s natural allure.
Urgent Call for Regulation
Environmental experts and activists are urging the government to act quickly. They want stricter building regulations, mandated sewage systems for hotels and residences, and routine environmental audits. Without such measures, they warn, Attabad Lake’s ecosystem and tourism prospects remain in jeopardy.
Authorities in Hunza have taken action after a foreign travel vlogger exposed shocking environmental violations. A portion of a lakeside hotel was sealed for allegedly dumping sewage into the stunning Attabad Lake, sparking public outrage and official inspection. Residents fear widespread contamination, as many hotels and homes lack proper sewage systems. This incident has intensified calls for strict regulations to preserve one of Gilgit-Baltistan’s most iconic tourist destinations.
