Ban likely on haphazard construction in Murree

The administration has decided to ban haphazard construction across Murree soon after it was granted the status of a district. The SOPs for new constructions are likely to be released soon.

The decision has been taken to preserve the beauty of natural forests and tourist spots. Sources in the commissioner's office told The Express Tribune that the administration has decided to put a complete ban on new constructions in the newly-formed district.

Commissioner Saqib Mannan has also directed the officers to formulate a new policy regarding fresh constructions which will take into consideration the conservation of forests and the natural beauty of the tourist spots.

The sources said that before Murree was given the district status, a detailed briefing was given to the Rawalpindi Commissioner in which it was told that Murree district is located 39 kilometres from Rawalpindi at an altitude of 7,500 feet above sea level. Its total area is 434 square kilometres while its population has exceeded 233,000.

Notable villages on the outskirts of Murree include Patriata, Kaldana, Ghariyal, Masut, Masiyadi, Malut Dholdaan, Malut Sattian and Mahingal. In the last 10 years, the number of unfurnished buildings constructed in Murree has increased to more than 2,000 and several others are under construction. The number of new constructions in urban areas is higher than in rural areas where hotels and other offices are mostly set up in high-rise buildings.

The sources said that in the last decade, the natural beauty of the city has been distorted by the construction of haphazard buildings and the wildlife has also migrated. Further construction may spoil the city's atmosphere. Urban resources are also under severe pressure due to rampant construction, of which the biggest shortage is clean drinking water.

The sources said that the Rawalpindi commissioner has directed the district administration to choose rural areas instead of urban areas for upcoming constructions.

Before any new construction, the SOPs should be prepared to ensure the environmental protection of the natural forest and landscape in Murree and its adjoining areas. Sources said that after a few days, the district administration will officially announce a ban on more unruly constructions in Murree, while the staff of the Municipal Corporation in Murree city will be authorised to take action with the help of the police for violating the ban. The ban will remain in effect until the approval of the new plan.

District accounts officer appointed

After the appointment of acting deputy commissioner in the newly-formed tourist district, a district accounts officer has also been appointed to make it formally functional.

Muhammad Jamil Tahir became the first District Accounts Officer of Murree district, which has been formed by dividing the Rawalpindi District, while the boundaries and administrative structure of the newly-formed district have also been formally prepared.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 19^th, 2022.