Hunza Pakistan June 23 2025
A foreign tourist has filed a formal complaint against the management of Luxus Hotel in Hunza alleging that the luxury resort has been discharging untreated wastewater directly into the pristine Attabad Lake The allegation has sparked concern among environmentalists local residents and government officials as the lake is not only a popular tourist destination but also a vital water resource for the surrounding community .
Nature of the Complaint
According to the complaint the tourist who has not yet been named in media reports witnessed and documented what appeared to be dirty or sewage water being released from the hotel premises into the lake The individual reportedly attempted to confront hotel staff about the environmental hazard but received vague responses prompting the tourist to take the matter to the local environmental protection agency and district administration
The complaint includes photographic and video evidence which according to early reports clearly shows contaminated water flowing into the lake near the hotel boundary .
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About Luxus Hotel and Attabad Lake
Luxus Hunza is a well known high end hotel perched along the shoreline of Attabad Lake offering panoramic views and exclusive accommodations to both local and international tourists Attabad Lake formed in 2010 due to a massive landslide has become one of Pakistan most iconic natural attractions The lake crystal clear waters dramatic mountainous backdrop and ecotourism potential make it an ecological treasure
Given its importance any environmental threat to the lake draws serious attention .
Public Reaction and Environmental Concerns
The tourist complaint has gone viral on social media where netizens have expressed outrage and disappointment Many have called for an immediate investigation and strict action against any hotel found guilty of polluting natural resources
Environmentalists warn that if the discharge continues unchecked it could severely harm the lake aquatic ecosystem pose health risks to visitors and damage the area tourism reputation
Dr Faiza Khan an environmental scientist based in Islamabad stated The release of untreated wastewater into any natural water body is a violation of national environmental laws It not only endangers biodiversity but also sets a dangerous precedent in a region reliant on ecotourism .
Response from Authorities and Luxus Hotel
The district administration has confirmed receipt of the complaint and has initiated an inquiry An official from the Gilgit Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency GBEPA said that a field team would visit the site to verify the allegations and collect water samples for laboratory analysis
Meanwhile a representative of Luxus Hotel issued a brief statement denying any wrongdoing claiming that the resort has a fully functional sewage treatment system and adheres to environmental compliance standards
We take these allegations seriously and will cooperate fully with any investigations We are committed to preserving the natural beauty of Attabad Lake the spokesperson added .
Next Steps
Authorities have promised a transparent investigation and any entity found violating environmental regulations could face penalties including heavy fines or even closure The case has also prompted calls for a broader environmental audit of all lakeside establishments
As investigations unfold the incident serves as a wake up call for improved regulatory enforcement and corporate accountability in Pakistan growing tourism sector .