Gilgit, September 4, 2026: The Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency (GB-EPA), in collaboration with the District Administration and SDM Gilgit, has intensified environmental enforcement following public complaints regarding improper wastewater disposal, poor sanitation, solid-waste mismanagement and healthcare waste handling.
A series of inspections was conducted at hotels, restaurants and healthcare facilities across Gilgit, resulting in immediate enforcement measures and compliance directions to address environmental and public-health concerns.
Indus Hotel Sealed Over Wastewater Disposal
During an inspection, Indus Hotel was found discharging black and grey water from its kitchen and washrooms into an open area, according to GB-EPA officials. The practice was reported to be causing foul odours, poor sanitary conditions and potential risks to nearby water resources.
The inspection team also observed poor hygiene and sanitation in the kitchen and adjoining areas, including open dumping of solid waste, rotten vegetables and discarded food.
The facility was subsequently sealed by the District Administration and GB-EPA and directed to rectify the identified deficiencies. The management was instructed to approach the authorities with evidence of compliance.
Khurak Mahal Jutial Also Sealed
Following public complaints concerning the area around Avari Express Hotel, officials inspected Khurak Mahal in Jutial and found kitchen wastewater being discharged directly into a drain.
According to the inspection findings, the discharge was causing foul odours and creating sanitary and environmental concerns. The facility was sealed and directed to rectify the identified deficiencies within three days.
Avari Express Hotel Given Seven-Day Compliance Deadline
Avari Express Hotel was also inspected following complaints regarding the disposal of black water, grey water and kitchen waste.
The hotel management was directed to establish proper arrangements for the safe disposal of kitchen waste, black water and grey water within seven days. Officials warned that failure to comply could lead to sealing of the facility and further legal action.
Healthcare Facilities Face Compliance Directions
GB-EPA and the District Administration also inspected Excel Laboratories, directing the facility to approach GB-EPA for the required environmental NOC/approval and establish proper systems for the segregation, handling and safe disposal of healthcare waste.
A follow-up inspection was also conducted at Islamabad Diagnostic Center (IDC), which had previously been issued a compliance notice. Officials found that the required compliance had not yet been achieved.
The facility was directed to obtain the required environmental NOC from GB-EPA and ensure proper management and safe disposal of both general and infectious healthcare waste.
Public Complaints Support Environmental Enforcement
GB-EPA officials said the inspections reflect the continued efforts of the environmental agency and District Administration to protect public health, water resources and the environment of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Officials emphasized that public complaints play an important role in identifying environmental violations and encouraged citizens to report activities that may pose risks to the environment or public health.
The agency reiterated that environmental regulations require compliance and that improper waste management can have serious consequences for communities, water resources and local ecosystems.
GB-EPA said enforcement and compliance actions would continue against facilities found violating applicable environmental requirements.
