Contingency plan for upcoming snowfall finalised
At least 22 tourists stranded in their vehicles during a snowstorm in Murree died on Jan 07, 2022. Photo: Reuters
A contingency plan has been finalised for Murree to deal with expected spell of rain and snowfall in the coming weeks, said Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali.
He was presiding over a meeting held to review the arrangements made to deal with any unforeseen circumstances.
The deputy commissioner said that although natural calamities are beyond control, we can reduce the rate of damage through disaster management. He added that two control rooms will be set up during snowfall, which will be active round the clock to listen to the complaints of the citizens and ensure that they are provided with the required help and guidance.
Read Calamity in Murree as at least 22 tourists freeze to death in cars
The control rooms will be set up at the Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner's Office, and the Assistant Commissioner's Office, Murree.
Focal persons from all departments concerned will perform their duties. The deputy commissioner said that during this season an additional deputy commissioner while three assistant commissioners including assistant commissioner Murree, assistant commissioner Kahuta will be stationed there.
According to the new plan, the focus will be on snow removal and traffic management. Also, there will be regulated entry in Murree during such spell and not more than 8,000 vehicles would be allowed entry.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 15th, 2022.