KARACHI:
All the greenery around Islamabad and the areas surrounding it are slowly being replaced by concrete buildings. All that is noticeable is constant construction. Recently, on my way to Murree, I noticed several lush green hills being levelled for construction, even though the GT road already has many hotels and restaurants. Much of the construction is taking place to draw more and more tourists into the town. However, in all this bedlam the town will lose its charm and beauty.
I have profound memories of Murree’s Mall Road as a teenager. I loved to walk, loiter and enjoy eating ice cream cones. Even back then the road used to be crowded, but hustle-bustle would add to its charm as you could enjoy the scenery with a certain atmosphere of serenity in the environment. Now, the area has become a concrete jungle. Hotels and restaurants are rapidly being constructed without any checks or regulations. This has suffocated the environment and increased pollution. The hustle is no longer pleasant; it has become chaotic. The increased noise pollution also causes much disruption. In addition, vendors bid high prices for food and other items, which makes things unaffordable for many. The commercial attitude of the vendors further takes away from the entire experience.
Murree is a beautiful hill station and it should remain that way. The relevant authorities should regulate the activities of existing hotels and vendors as well as put a curb on new constructions. In addition, we as tourists must also fulfil our responsibilities. We need to be mindful of our activities and ensure that we are not polluting the area. It is important to educate ourselves as well as the locals. These places are natural assets of the country, and they should be preserved not just in memory but also so that future generations can visit and enjoy.
Bismah Mirza
Islamabad
Published in The Express Tribune, August 31st, 2021.
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