Ban on new construction near Hunza lakes urged

The Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Department has recommended a five year ban on the construction and expansion of hotels, motels and commercial residences around Hunza's three iconic lakes – Attabad, Doiker and Borit – because of escalating environmental pollution risks.

The department said in its latest report that unplanned and unregulated hotel construction, inadequate sewage systems and the widespread use of diesel generators are contributing to water and air pollution, affecting the local ecosystem, human health and tourism activities.