As the first of winter snow fell in Murree on Wednesday, a large number of tourists from the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi and from across the region have started flocking to the hill station.
While most of the families have been from the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, some people from as far as Lahore have also made the journey.
With the weekend starting on Saturday, a large number of families reached Murree and began building snowmen, having snowball fights, and indulging in a host of other winter activities.
Galiyat and surrounding areas including Nathiagali and the Hazara belt were the centres of attention, where heavy snowfall was recorded on Friday. Bhurban, Ayubia, Mall Road, Kashmir Point and Pindi Point were also packed with tourists.
However, access became a problem, as long queues of vehicles were seen at Satra Meel Toll Plaza on Murree Road.
Long queues of cars, vans and buses were witnessed making their way to the region’s favourite tourist spot, adding a festive vibe to the town’s atmosphere.
Families and adventurers alike thronged famous tourist attractions such as Kashmir Point, Pindi Point, Bhurban, Patriata, Ayubia, Nathiagali, and Galiyat over the weekend.
The prominent Mall Road strip has been overflowing with holiday goers to the point of bursting, with people barely finding room to stand or move around as they browse shops or scout the area for a bite to eat.
Much to the delight of the trippers, a series of light snowfall has started in Murree and Galiyat, providing them with not only an enjoyable pastime to frolic but also giving them an aesthetic landscape to capture selfies and feed their photography passion.
Authorities have put in place emergency measures to facilitate the tourists during the heavy snowfall expected in the next three days. The authorities said that considering the parking shortage in Murree, not more than 8,000 vehicles will be allowed to enter Murree.
Rescue 1122 Secretary Dr Rizwan Naseer said that the "code red" has been implemented in Murree after seeing the forecast from the meteorological department. He said that additional equipment has also been transported to Murree for rescue operations in snowfall.
He said that orders have been issued for emergency operational preparations in Murree, and emergency vehicles, rescue motorbikes and rescue personnel deployed at risky points.
Rescue 1122 has deployed 13 ambulances, eight fire tankers and 20 rescue motorbikes while searchlights, snow shovels, oxygen cylinders and other equipment have been provided to the deployed personnel.
On the other hand, RPO Rawalpindi Nasir Muhammad Sati has said that tourists will be provided all possible assistance and guidance and traffic flow will be ensured.
“The force deployed at the entry points of Murree will allow the entry of fully fitted vehicles. The DPO will stay in Murree and personally supervise all arrangements. Tourists can seek assistance from Murree control room number or helpline 15. Murree police are performing duty 24 hours to help tourists. Tourists coming to Murree are requested to follow the instructions of the police to make their journey safe,” he said.
Travel advisory issued
Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel in bad weather and during snowfall.
The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has directed tourists to wear long and warm dresses to protect themselves from cough, flu and other diseases. The advisory said that motorists should stop vehicles from time to time and avoid using heaters for more than 10 minutes.
“All the authorities concerned are advised to remain alert and vigilant to guide the commuters and refrain from laxity to avoid any loss of life and property,” the PDMA advisory said.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 12th, 2023.
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