RAWALPINDI: Taking no chances this time around, the district administration has devised a comprehensive plan to handle the influx of tourists coming to Murree.

As many as 22 people had died in their vehicles after getting trapped in snow in the hill station three months ago. Following the tragedy, an inquiry committee found negligence on the part of officials and government departments.

As a result, 15 senior officials, including the Rawalpindi commissioner, the deputy commissioner and the city police officer, were removed.

The committee had also given its recommendations for developing Murree’s infrastructure and managing the flow of tourists in an efficient manner.

Although the weather this time is different from that in January, the Met office has predicted rains with gusty winds from May 2 to 5 during the Eid holidays.

The district administration has, therefore, stepped up its efforts to ensure that tourists’ visit to Murree is hassle-free.

A meeting was held in this regard with Deputy Commissioner Tahir Farooq in the chair.

The meeting imposed complete ban on parking of vehicles at the entry and exit points of the hill station.

The deputy commissioner said provision of facilities to tourists was a top priority, but it was the people’s responsibility to follow the traffic plan to avoid inconvenience.

Special teams have, therefore, been formed to resolve public issues.

He said visitors would not be allowed to park their vehicles outside parking lots and cooking on roadside would be prohibited.

Talking to Dawn, Deputy Commissioner Farooq said the assistant commissioner would ensure that there was no clash between the visitors and local residents.

He said desks had been established on The Mall to register complaints against hotel owners who overcharged visitors while traffic police would deploy sufficient staff to handle the flow of vehicles.

He said the main control room was set up in Murree to coordinate with all departments of the federal and provincial governments, adding that there would be no issue of coordination as the station commander of Murree was in contact with the administration.

Mr Farooq said a comprehensive plan had been chalked out to resolve the water shortage issue in the hill station and improve sanitation condition during the holidays.

Published in Dawn, April 30th, 2022