Luxus Hunza Sealed by EPA, Fined Rs1.5 Million Over Environmental Violations
Luxus Hunza violation: The Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has sealed a 30-room section of the renowned Luxus Hunza hotel near Attabad Lake and imposed a Rs1.5 million fine for violations of construction and environmental regulations. This action follows the circulation of a viral video alleging that sewage from the hotel was being discharged directly into the lake.
However, after a thorough inspection, EPA officials confirmed no direct evidence of sewage discharge. Still, they found the hotel had violated multiple environmental and construction rules, prompting swift action to seal part of the facility and issue the fine.
Luxus Hunza violation: Regulatory Breaches, Not Sewage, Prompt Action
EPA Director Khadim Hussain stated that the action was based on the hotel’s failure to follow approved building plans and adhere to environmental safety standards. He further revealed that this is not the first time Luxus Hunza has faced scrutiny. In October 2023, the EPA had temporarily sealed the hotel due to confirmed wastewater discharge on its western side.
The current sealing affects a newly constructed 30-room section of the hotel. The hotel has been given a deadline to comply with all regulations if it wishes to have the sealed section reopened.
Luxus Hunza violation: Hotel Denies Allegations, Blames Natural Drain
Luxus Hunza’s management denied the viral allegations. Director Shan Lashari claimed that the murky water seen in the video originated from a natural stormwater drain, not hotel waste.
“The claims are baseless and misleading,” Lashari said. “We remain committed to maintaining environmental standards and will cooperate with the EPA.”
Luxus Hunza violation: Activists Call for Eco-Friendly Tourism Around Attabad Lake
Local environmentalists have voiced concerns about unregulated construction around Attabad Lake. Activist Mr. Zia warned that “unchecked development” is threatening the ecosystem, especially since many structures are built within 50 to 200 feet of the lake, violating environmental laws.
Most lakeside hotels reportedly lack proper water treatment systems, which is a condition for construction approval. Proposals for eco-tourism, such as building sustainable huts and planting trees instead of concrete buildings, have been largely ignored.
Luxus Hunza violation: Preserving Attabad Lake’s Ecological Balance
Attabad Lake, formed in 2010 by a massive landslide that blocked the Hunza River, has become a major tourist destination and a vital water reservoir. As tourism surges, the pressure on the lake’s ecosystem grows, raising serious questions about sustainable development in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The action against Luxus Hunza underscores the urgency of enforcing environmental laws to ensure tourism does not come at the cost of natural heritage.
