GILGIT: Authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan on Tuesday sealed a section of a resort at Attabad Lake and fined its owner Rs1.5 million for non-compliance with environmental standards, after a video alleging it was discharging untreated sewage into the lake went viral, officials said.

Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency’s (GBEPA) action followed a video shared by foreign tourist and vlogger George Buckley, which showed alleged sewage mismanagement at the resort, constructed on the banks of the scenic lake.

After the video went viral online, GBEPA Director Khadim Hussain, Hunza deputy commissioner and other officials inspected the hotel’s environment and sewage system.

The district administration shut down the entire extension of the resort. The sealed portion will remain closed until corrective measures are completed and formal clearance is granted by the EPA after a re-inspection.

The administration has also launched a review of all no objection certificates issued to hotels and restaurants in the Attabad Lake area.

Dawn tried to contact the management of Luxus Resort Attabad, as well as their offices in Lahore, but no one was immediately available to comment on the issue.

This is the latest in a series of enforcement actions against pollution in the popular tourist region.

In August of last year, the Hunza district administration and GBEPA took stringent measures against other hotels for similar violations.

At that time, Luxus Resort and Dolphin Floating Resort were sealed due to improper management of gray water from washrooms and kitchens.

Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2025