A popular hotel in Gojal, Hunza, has been closed and slapped with a Rs. 1.5 million penalty after a foreign travel vlogger shared a widely circulated video exposing the hotel for dumping untreated sewage into the crystal-clear Attabad Lake.
Khadim Hussain, Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), verified the enforcement measures, emphasizing that the hotel had flagrantly disregarded environmental laws.
“The hotel was granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) that explicitly outlined environmental safeguards. By flouting these terms, the establishment faced immediate closure and a substantial fine,” he explained.
The video sparked outrage on social media, prompting demands for swift action from environmental agencies and local officials to address the issue.
Faizullah Firaq, a spokesperson for the Gilgit-Baltistan government, informed reporters that the provincial authorities had taken swift notice of the situation and ordered an in-depth probe by the Hunza district administration.
“Sustainable tourism is a non-negotiable condition for obtaining permits. We are currently examining the exact violations committed by the hotel,” Firaq stated.
Environmental advocates and concerned citizens have called for strict penalties against such offenders to safeguard Hunza’s fragile ecosystem, a globally celebrated destination for its breathtaking landscapes and tourism appeal.
