RAWALPINDI: Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz on Monday gave approval to installation of new communication system and procurement of 20 motorcycle ambulances for Murree to avoid Jan 8 like tragedy when 23 people died in their vehicles trapped in heavy snow.

After assuming the charge of chief executive of the province, Hamza Shehbaz asked Commissioner Noorul Amin Mengal to improve the communication system, roads, streetlights and other infrastructure of the hill station.

On Monday, the chief minister called a meeting of the divisional and district administrations of Rawalpindi through video link to review progress on development schemes at the hill station.

While briefing the chief minister, Commissioner Rawalpindi Noorul Amin Mengal said that the carpeting work of 34-km-long roads of Murree has been completed from Jhikagali to Bhurban while work is in full swing on Kuldana to Barian Road.

He said that the renovation plan of Murree is underway. “Efforts are being carried out to improve the front location in addition to the sign boards of Murree shops under beautification plan for the tourists visiting Murree.

He further said that all the officials of the district administration would be present in Murree on the occasion of Eidul Azha holidays while the holidays of officials and personnel of all other concerned departments have also been canceled.

“A complete traffic plan has been prepared while two control rooms are being set up for monitoring other arrangements including traffic. The control room will be located near Satra meel Toll Plaza while the other will be at Jinnah Hall Murree,” he said.

“Murree has a capacity of 8,000 vehicles, after which the incoming vehicles will be stopped at the Satra Meel toll plaza,” he said.

He further said that traders have been asked to display rate lists at hotels and restaurants in Murree and those resorting to profiteering would be dealt with severely.

He said teams of Rawalpindi Waste Management Company have been augmented for cleaning Murree.

He said that complete ban has been imposed on illegal constructions and actions are being taken against construction mafia.

He said that in view the warning of above normal rains in monsoon season, special arrangements had been made to avoid landslide and to rescue the people in case of any incident.

He said a new communication system would be installed in Murree and all the departments had been included in this. “We plan to introduce 20 motorcycle based ambulances in Murree to provide first aid treatment in case of any untoward situation,” he said.

Published in Dawn, June 21st, 2022