Authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan have imposed a ban on the construction of hotels near major tourist sites, especially around natural lakes and riverbanks, to protect the region's fragile environment.
The region attracts a large number of domestic and international tourists each year to its scenic valleys, lakes, waterfalls, and streams.
However, the increasing influx of tourists has led to a surge in unregulated constructions that threaten the natural water reserves, rivers, streams, and glaciers with rising pollution.
Acting on the recommendation of the Environment Department, the Deputy Commissioner of Hunza has prohibited hotel construction around lakes in Central Hunza and Hunza regions.
Similarly, the Commissioner of Baltistan Division has banned the construction of hotels and restaurants without a No Objection Certificate (NOC) across all four districts of Baltistan. Moving forward, obtaining an environment-friendly construction NOC will be mandatory for any new building projects in the region.
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