Final warning: Attabad Lake hotel warned it will be sealed

Authorities have issued a strict warning to a hotel located on the banks of the scenic Attabad Lake in Gilgit-Baltistan, demanding the installation of a sewage treatment plant within three days to prevent further pollution of the lake’s pristine waters.

Speaking exclusively to Samaa TV, Gilgit Environment Department Director Khadim Hussain said the hotel had been given temporary permission to operate for the next three months under the condition that it sets up a proper waste management system. “If the treatment plant is not installed within the stipulated time, the hotel will be completely sealed,” he warned.

He said the hotel in question had previously been sealed in September last year after it was found discharging untreated sewage directly into the lake. At that time, 30 rooms were sealed, and the management was fined Rs1.5 million, he added. 

Hussain confirmed that fresh inspections revealed continued violations, prompting the issuance of a three-day notice to fix the sewage system. “Protecting Attabad Lake is our top priority. Any entity found polluting it will face strict legal action,” he added.

The controversy began when George Buckley, a travel influencer and vlogger, visited Attabad Lake and shared a video claiming that the hotel concerned was allegedly polluting the lake. He pointed to a brownish tint in parts of the water and a foul smell, suggesting sewage discharge as the cause. Buckley also cited a local resident who informed him about the alleged contamination. 

Also Read: Hunza hotel fined, rooms sealed over viral video claiming pollution

The video rapidly went viral, sparking outrage among environmentalists, tourists, and citizens who demanded immediate government intervention. In response, the director of the Gilgit-Baltistan Environment Department and the deputy commissioner of Hunza conducted a surprise inspection of the hotel.

Following the visit, the administration sealed rooms with damaged manholes and fined the hotel Rs1.5 million. Authorities also issued a notice instructing the hotel management to upgrade its sewage system within a week in accordance with ecological and environmental standards.

Hotel responds

In response to the backlash, the hotel took to Instagram Stories to strongly deny the allegations. The resort stated that the brownish tint in the lake water was due to natural glacial silt, not pollution. “We have come across a recent video circulating online that falsely accuses our hotel, Luxus Hunza, of discharging sewage into the lake. We strongly deny these baseless allegations. This is a serious misinterpretation of natural phenomena,” the statement read. 

“From day one, we have gone above and beyond to ensure our operations are fully sustainable and eco-friendly. An environmental impact survey was conducted before opening, and all necessary approvals were obtained,” the resort added. 

They clarified that their waste management system is fully compliant with regional environmental regulations and poses no threat to the lake’s ecosystem. Reaffirming their commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Hunza, the resort noted: “Luxus Hunza is more than just a resort—it’s our home.”