RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government will start development work in Murree after Eidul Azha, said Commissioner Rawalpindi Aamir Khattak at a meeting held to review the Murree Development Plan.

The meeting also reviewed arrangements for tourists during the Eid holidays.

Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema, Director Development Nazia Sudhan and heads of other concerned departments participated in the review meeting.

The commissioner said that along with execution of development schemes in Murree, special arrangements should be made on account of upcoming Eidul Azha. “Since huge influx of tourists is expected on Eid days, necessary arrangements should be made to facilitate tourists as well as locals,” he said.

The commissioner was told that 16 kanals of Murree Improvement Trust had been identified for a parking plaza in Murree which will initially provide parking facilities for 324 vehicles.

However, keeping in view the history of landslides in the area, a geotechnical/feasibility study will be started soon in order to ensure the sustainability of the project. Apart from this, work is going on the parking yard, including two washrooms, near the general bus stand, which will be completed and made functional in the next two days.

The commissioner directed that banners with necessary information should be displayed outside parking plazas so that tourists do not face any problem regarding parking. He said that public washrooms should be constructed at 12 places for convenience of locals and tourists. In this regard, an estimated cost has been sent to the additional secretary communication and works for inclusion in ADP 2024-25.

Places for public washrooms have been identified at Lower Topa, Upper Jikka Gully Road, Jikka Gali Bazar, Mall Road, Kashmir Point, Sunny Bank & MIT, Lower Mall, Kuldana, Bhurban, PIA Park, DC Annexe Bank Road and Municipal Corporation parking plaza.

The commissioner added that the average water demand in Murree was 2.15 million gallons per day while the current water supply was 1.32 MGD. To meet this shortage, various channel schemes as well as rooftop rainwater harvesting projects are being given special attention.

He directed that to maintain and preserve the beauty of Murree, Rawalpindi Waste Management Company should take special care of the hill station’s cleanliness by deputing additional sanitary workers during Eid.

Moreover, illegal constructions spoiling the beauty of Murree should be strictly stopped and legal action should be taken against them under the supervision of the deputy commissioner, he added.

Published in Dawn, June 14th, 2024