Hunza — Environmentalists and local authorities have called for an immediate ban on new construction near Hunza’s lakes, citing increasing threats to the region’s fragile ecosystem and the risk of disaster in the event of natural calamities.
The call comes amid growing concerns over unchecked development around popular tourist destinations such as Attabad Lake, Borith Lake, and other high-altitude water bodies in Gilgit-Baltistan. Experts warn that rapid and unregulated construction—particularly of hotels, guesthouses, and commercial properties—poses a serious threat to the area’s ecological balance.
Speaking at a recent environmental forum, activists and climate scientists urged the government to enforce stricter zoning laws and halt all new building projects within a critical radius of the lakes. They emphasized that such developments, if left unchecked, could lead to landslides, water pollution, and increased pressure on natural resources.
“The lakes in Hunza are already under pressure from mass tourism and climate change,” said a local environmentalist. “We cannot afford to allow concrete structures to compromise their stability and beauty.”
Attabad Lake, formed in 2010 after a massive landslide, has since become a major tourist attraction. However, experts say the lake’s geological foundations remain sensitive, and increased human activity could trigger further instability.
The Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency (GB-EPA) is reportedly reviewing proposals for tighter environmental oversight and may recommend a formal moratorium on construction within specified buffer zones around the lakes.
Residents and business owners are divided over the proposed ban. While some acknowledge the urgent need for conservation, others fear the move could impact tourism income and local employment. Officials argue that sustainable development and environmental protection must go hand in hand to ensure the region’s long-term prosperity.
Tourism in Hunza has surged in recent years, drawing both domestic and international travelers to its breathtaking landscapes. But the lack of urban planning and weak enforcement of environmental regulations has led to overcrowding, improper waste disposal, and degradation of natural sites.
Experts stress that a comprehensive eco-tourism policy is needed to balance conservation with community livelihoods. This includes building infrastructure at safer distances, regulating visitor flow, and investing in waste management systems.
The call for a construction ban is part of broader efforts to protect Gilgit-Baltistan’s fragile alpine environment from irreversible damage. Authorities are now under pressure to act swiftly before the environmental cost becomes too great.
