The Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has sealed 30 rooms of the Luxus Hunza hotel and fined the management Rs1.5 million for violating environmental and construction rules near Attabad Lake.
During a recent inspection, the EPA did not find any sewage being discharged directly into the lake. However, the hotel was still penalized for not following environmental guidelines. Officials said that this action was taken due to repeated non-compliance, as the hotel had also faced similar enforcement in 2023.
The hotel management, however, denies any wrongdoing. They claim that the water’s murky appearance is due to storm drains and natural runoff, not because of their operations. They argue that they are being unfairly blamed.
Environmental experts are growing increasingly concerned about the unchecked construction around Attabad Lake. They warn that without proper planning and the use of water treatment systems, the lake’s delicate ecosystem could face serious damage in the future.
Attabad Lake is not only a source of water for nearby communities but also a major tourist destination in Gilgit-Baltistan. Local residents are calling for stronger environmental rules, promotion of eco-tourism, and better waste management to preserve the lake for future generations.
The EPA’s latest action sends a strong message to other businesses operating near the lake. Authorities say that all developments in the area must meet environmental standards to protect the region’s natural beauty and resources. The case highlights the growing tension between tourism development and environmental responsibility.
