An ancient cave in a national park where parts of Avatar were based is now a stinking cesspit.
A serious environmental pollution incident has been declared at the site, which used to be called “a wonderland on Earth”.
Its beauty caught the attention of filmmakers working on the 2009 science fiction blockbuster Avatar.
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But now a shocking video has revealed the sad state of the former beauty hotspot.
The footage was taken at a natural stalactite caves inside the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China.
The cave can be seen filled with mountains of litter, murky water and sewage, as reported by Need To Know.
The accumulation of rubbish has produced an unbearable stench, local press has reported.
According to a preliminary investigation, the source of pollution is suspected to be the long-term illegal discharge of sewage by some local farmers.
Sewage and garbage even spilled to the surface of the cave and flowed into a nearby stream, sparking concern among locals about the cleanliness of drinking water.
Officials of Cili County have revealed that some plastic water bottles found inside the cave had a production date of 2015.
This indicates that the pollution was not something that only began recently.
Improvement notices have been issued to farmers.
The Ecology and Environment Bureau of Cili County has now launched a district-wide investigation alongside authorities.
It is hoped that the investigation will help to monitor the stalactite caves.
Authorities have vowed to severely punish any illegal environmental damage.
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