ENVIRONMENTAL laws to protect health of people have been thrown to winds while planning roads for the Rawalpindi city and cantonment. Now elevated expressway over Murree Road has been approved in place of the already approved Leh Expressway from High Court to Khiyaban i Sir Syed, with a number of entry and exit points to minimise traffic on Murree Road as well as at Kutchery Chowk, with less environmental damage.

I shudder to imagine elevated expressway with smoke emitting, speeding and noisy heavy vehicular traffic thumping over Murree Road. So, Murree Road will lose its historical grace, and residents and shopkeepers on either side of Murree Road will be in hell for all times to come.

As regards the cantonment, under construction new and widened roads have already rendered some army residential areas unfit for healthy living. This is because of dirt, noise and smoke pollution, sources of many diseases.

Still worse is to come on completion of these roads. It reminds me of great wisdom and vision of those who saved residents of Wah Cantonment by diverting G.T. Road traffic instead of planning high speed roads through residential areas.

It is hoped that provincial and local authorities concerned will immediately consider re routing, diversions and alternative roads to save residents from the impending environmental disaster, for all times to come.

It is further hoped that suggestions from Pindiites will be welcomed to achieve the desired objective.

RAJA M. AFZAL KHAN
Rawalpindi