A viral Instagram video by travel vlogger George Buckley posted on June 16, 2025, raised significant concern. The video alleges that a well-known resort in Hunza is discharging sewage into Attabad Lake, a pristine tourist destination in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B). The claims prompted a swift response from the G-B Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is currently investigating the matter..
In his viral post, George Buckley shared that locals alerted him to the resort’s alleged practice of releasing sewage directly into Attabad Lake. He highlighted a stark contrast between the lake’s clean turquoise waters and visibly polluted sections, underscoring the environmental threat. The video quickly gained traction on social media, drawing attention to the potential harm to one of Pakistan’s most cherished natural landmarks.
G-B Government’s Swift Response
The Gilgit-Baltistan government responded promptly, deploying an EPA team to inspect the site at Attabad Lake. An EPA spokesperson stated the agency would pursue legal action against the resort’s management if the sewage discharge was confirmed. This decisive move reflects the government’s commitment to protecting the region’s ecological treasures and addressing public outcry fueled by Buckley’s video.
ہنزہ میں ایک مشہور ہوٹل اپنا سیوریج کا پانی جھیل میں چھوڑ رہا ہے جو کہ واضح دیکھا جا سکتا ہے جس سے نہ صرف جھیل کی خوبصورتی ماند پڑ رہی ہے بلکہ بدبو بھی پیدا ہو رہی ہے۔
یہ بات ایک گورا ویلاگر بتا رہا ہے لوکل انتظامیہ کہاں ہے؟ pic.twitter.com/uSVxJsiJ2t
— کیڑےمکوڑے (@Form_45) June 16, 2025Formed in 2010 after a massive landslide in Hunza, Attabad Lake has become a premier tourist attraction in Gilgit-Baltistan. Renowned for its vibrant turquoise waters framed by towering mountains, the lake draws visitors for boating, fishing, and breathtaking views. Its ecological and economic significance makes the allegations of pollution particularly alarming, as any degradation could impact tourism and local livelihoods.
The alleged sewage discharge threatens the delicate ecosystem of Attabad Lake, which supports diverse aquatic life and sustains tourism in Hunza. Pollution could deter visitors, harming the local economy, and pose health risks to communities relying on the lake. Buckley’s video has amplified calls for stricter environmental regulations to safeguard Pakistan’s natural heritage, sparking a broader conversation about sustainable tourism practices.
