June 18, 2025
A portion of a hotel in Hunza has been sealed by the Environmental Protection Agency and district administration after a video by foreign travel vlogger George Buckley went viral.
In the video, Buckley claimed that the hotel was discharging sewage directly into Attabad Lake.
There are many hotels and resorts near Attabad Lake that are connected to the lake. Local residents are concerned about proper waste disposal from these establishments. Additionally, they worry that without a sewage system, waste from homes is also ending up in the lakes.
This waste ultimately flows into Attabad Lake and the Indus River. In a new Instagram video, Buckley stated: "Officials have arrived at the hotel," and mentioned that there are no documents contradicting his claims about the hotel dumping waste into the lake. "Part of the hotel has been sealed off," he added.
Buckley explained that locals informed him about the resort's environmentally harmful practices and pointed out the visible contrast between the clean and polluted areas of the lake.
Following the viral video, the Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) government took immediate action by sending a team from the EPA to inspect the site at Attabad Lake.
It is important to note that Attabad Lake was formed in 2010 after a massive landslide in Hunza and has since become a major tourist attraction. Known for its striking turquoise waters surrounded by mountains, the lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and enjoying scenic views.