RAWALPINDI: On the directions of the Punjab caretaker government, the divisional administration has made a comprehensive plan to deal with tourists visiting Murree during the winter season.

The Murree district administration has issued an advisory regarding weather and travel precautions for tourists.

As per the advisory, tourists have been asked to keep themselves updated with the weather conditions before travelling to Murree and other northern areas.

They have been asked to carry essential food and drink supplies, food and water and ensure that their vehicle was fully filled with fuel before travelling.

Tourists entering Murree should not use old tyres as a safety and precautionary measure to prevent the vehicle from skidding. They should also minimise the use of brakes in case the vehicle slips. They are also advised to drive in light gear during snowfall, obey traffic rules and cooperate with traffic officials for safe travel.

Tourists should drive in a single lane and avoid overtaking. Stopping the vehicle on the road and taking photographs is strictly prohibited, as it may affect the flow of traffic. They can call the Motorway Police Helpline 130 for any assistance on the expressway.

In case of an emergency, Rescue 1122 can be contacted as well. The Murree district administration has established 13 relief centres at various places to guide and assist tourists in Murree.

In this regard, Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chattha held the meeting and finalised the snowfall emergency plan.

According to the plan, 13 relief centres have been established in Murree for the convenience of tourists.

Commissioner Chattha has given the departments until November 30 to complete preparations.

Other relevant departments, including highway machinery, will also be present in each facility centre, and the department of highway mechanical machinery will hire around one hundred people for the snow season.

“Snowfall can occur at any time. We need to be alert, and instructions have been issued to all departments to provide all possible facilities to the tourists coming here during snowfall,” he said.

The target includes maintaining a digital count of vehicles entering Murree from Rawalpindi, Azad Kashmir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The number of traffic wardens was slated to be doubled.

After the specified number of vehicles in Murree has reached the department, the three routes leading to Murree will be closed for additional vehicles.

However, Murree residents would be allowed to travel on production of an identity card showing the area as their place of residence.

Civil defence personnel have been instructed to be present and available on the streets to ensure the safety of tourists and their properties.

They would be equipped with communication devices and tasers to break up any dispute.

The commissioner also warned business owners against profiteering.

The Murree tragedy in January 2022, in which 22 tourists lost their lives, was marred by accusations that locals demanded exorbitant amounts from trapped travellers who were forced to spend the night in their vehicles.

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2023