Hotel in Hunza Sealed After Sewage Disposal Video Goes Viral

Following a viral video by foreign travel vlogger George Buckley, the Environmental Protection Agency and district administration have sealed a section of a hotel in Hunza.

Buckley’s video alleged that the hotel was releasing untreated sewage directly into Attabad Lake, prompting immediate action from authorities.

Concerns Over Waste Disposal

Numerous hotels and resorts situated near Attabad Lake are connected to it, sparking concerns among local residents about the proper handling of waste from these establishments. They also expressed worry that household waste is finding its way into the lake due to the absence of a comprehensive sewage system.

This pollution ultimately contaminates Attabad Lake and subsequently flows into the Indus River. Buckley shared in a recent Instagram update that officials have visited the hotel, noting the absence of documentation to refute his claims regarding waste discharge into the lake. He confirmed that a portion of the hotel is now under seal.

Buckley further stated that local residents alerted him to the resort’s detrimental environmental practices and highlighted the stark contrast between the lake’s pristine and polluted areas.

Government Response

In response to the widely circulated video, the Gilgit-Baltistan government promptly dispatched an EPA team to conduct an inspection of the site at Attabad Lake.

Background of Attabad Lake

Attabad Lake emerged in 2010 following a significant landslide in Hunza and has since evolved into a prominent tourist destination. Renowned for its stunning turquoise waters set against a backdrop of majestic mountains, the lake provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and picturesque sightseeing.