Govt Reports Finds Zero Evidence of Sewage Dump in Attabad Lake

Luxus Hunza has issued an official response following a viral video alleging that the resort was discharging untreated wastewater into Attabad Lake. The resort firmly denies these claims, stating they are completely false and lack any verified evidence.

According to a detailed structural plan and an official government inspection report, there is clear confirmation that no sewage or untreated water is being released into the lake.

According to the report:

• No visible or active discharge of sewage into the lake was observed during the inspection.
• The turbid water seen in the video is likely caused by overflow from a nearby nullah, which carries silt and mud during summer.
• Even in the case of a sewage leak, wastewater tends to sink downward rather than spread laterally, contradicting the spread pattern seen in the footage.

The controversy began when YouTuber and travel vlogger George Buckley claimed a local resident informed him about the resort dumping sewage into the lake. He supported his claim by showing footage of the water changing color near the shore and reporting a strong sewage smell in the area.

Luxus Hunza previously explained that the color change was due to a natural phenomenon known as glacial silt and reiterated that they do not discharge waste into the lake, labeling the vlogger’s claims as misinformation.

Despite this clarification, the video went viral, leading the Gilgit-Baltistan District administration to seal the resort and impose a fine of Rs. 1.5 million. However, with the government now clearing Luxus Hunza of these allegations, questions arise about the decision to seal the resort without a thorough inspection, especially since the sealing occurred shortly after the viral video and before the official government report was released.

Furthermore, the Gilgit-Baltistan administration’s actions raise concerns. Director of the GB Environment Department, Khadim Hussain, stated that the fine was imposed based on a complaint from a foreign tourist and that a 15-member team inspected the lake following the viral video. While Hussain mentioned evidence of water pollution, he also noted that the hotel was repairing its sewage line at the time and that no major pollution was detected.

Given the conflicting reports and the swift punitive measures taken against Luxus Hunza, one must question the administration’s approach. Why was the resort sealed and fined without a comprehensive investigation, especially when the evidence of pollution appears to be inconclusive?