Sewage Dumping Allegations
A recent video by renowned foreign travel vlogger George Buckley has triggered widespread outrage and prompted swift action from the Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) government after he claimed that a prominent resort in Hunza is dumping untreated sewage directly into the iconic Attabad Lake.
Buckley, who frequently showcases Pakistan’s natural beauty to a global audience, shared the video on Instagram, where it quickly went viral and drew criticism from environmentalists, tourists, and local communities alike.
In his video, Buckley said that locals had informed him about the resort’s environmentally harmful practice of discharging waste directly into the lake’s waters.
He supported his claims by pointing out a stark visual contrast between areas of the lake with pristine turquoise water and other sections that appeared discolored and polluted, which he alleged were due to sewage disposal.
Attabad Lake, located in the Hunza Valley and formed in 2010 following a catastrophic landslide, has since become one of the region’s most visited tourist attractions.
It is celebrated for its dazzling blue waters, scenic mountain backdrop, and recreational activities such as boating and fishing. As a symbol of both tragedy and resilience, the lake holds special significance for locals and visitors alike.
The viral video sparked immediate concern, leading the G-B government to order an official inquiry. In response, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Gilgit-Baltistan dispatched a team to conduct an on-ground inspection at the site identified in the video.
An EPA spokesperson confirmed that a formal investigation is underway. “We are taking this matter seriously. If the sewage discharge is verified, strict legal action will be taken against the management of the resort responsible for polluting Attabad Lake,” the official said.
The incident has reignited conversations about the need for stricter environmental oversight in tourist-heavy regions of northern Pakistan. Many activists and citizens have demanded immediate regulatory reforms to prevent such incidents in the future and preserve the ecological balance of natural landmarks like Attabad Lake.
