LAHORE: Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabil Javed has directed the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and the Murree deputy commissioner (DC) to take measures ahead of snowfall to facilitate the tourists.

In a review meeting chaired by relief commissioner, Murree DC Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi briefed on arrangements for expected snowfall and Murree Master Plan.

He said all planning in conjunction with the Punjab PDMA had been completed. He stated that 13 facilitation centres had been established in Murree to guide the tourists. Arrangements had also been made for equipment and vehicles (including snow blowers, salt sprinklers, and loaders) to be used during snowfall.

The meeting was informed that a joint coordination committee consisting of representatives of the district administration had been formed that would take steps regarding road closure. The DC said data was collected for all hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and residential buildings used for commercial purposes. He stated that measures like a traffic diversion plan, parking at a safe distance from public places, travel advisory through radio, vehicle counting, and enforcement of a one-way road had been taken by the traffic police.

The relief commissioner instructed the civil administration to monitor the control room and facilities to respond in emergency situations. He expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made by the Murree administration. He also directed Rescue 1122 to remain on high alert during snowfall.

Mr Javed said the availability of all paramedical staff and other staff should be ensured in view of high alert in hospitals. He directed to constitute a tourist squad for the convenience of tourists and to deal with any emergency and continuous patrolling.

The meeting was also attended by Board of Revenue’s Shafqatullah Mushtaq, while Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha and the Murree DC participated through video-link.

Published in Dawn, December 30th, 2023