Beautification plan okayed for Pindi, Murree

Transport operators fleece commuters despite decrease in fuel prices

MURREE/ RAWALPINDI:

The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has granted approval for new projects aimed at enhancing the beauty of Rawalpindi and Murree.

The decision includes the establishment of food outlets of famous chains at major amusement parks in Murree and Rawalpindi, as well as the construction of a large nursery on government land.

Notably, the city of Rawalpindi will witness the construction of its first major nursery, which will span across 500 acres of government land in Gorakhpur.

This initiative aims to bolster the availability of plants and saplings for beautification purposes. Additionally, there are plans to transform Murree Road in Rawalpindi into an attractive and exemplary model road.

The 21st PHA Special Board of Directors meeting, presided over by Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Chatta and attended by PHA Director General Ahmed Hasan Ranjha, as well as other executives and board members, sanctioned these beautification projects. During the meeting, the director general expressed gratitude to all members and provided a comprehensive overview of PHA Rawalpindi's “commendable performance”, which garnered appreciation from the board members and the Rawalpindi commissioner.

Rawalpindi commissioner further proposed designating Murree Road in Rawalpindi as a model road, intensifying the tree plantation drive, and implementing additional measures to enhance the aesthetics of both Rawalpindi and Murree cities.

According to the PHA DG, the vast nursery will facilitate the year-round cultivation of various fruit, shade trees, and floral plants. Moreover, the promotion of Miyawaki forests, known for their dense and diverse vegetation, is also part of the plan.

Separately, despite a significant reduction in petroleum prices, public transport operators in Murree are taking advantage of the tourist season by engaging in overloading and overcharging practices.

The Regional Transport Authority (RTA), Murree administration, City Traffic Police, and law enforcement agencies appear to be helpless in the face of these elements. People from all walks of life, including tourists and the business community, have voiced their demand for higher authorities to intervene and address this issue.

Murree attracts many tourists during the summer vacation period. However, the transport mafia is exploiting them for illegal financial gains. This situation is primarily attributed to the negligence and alleged connivance of the Rawalpindi RTA Secretary.

While the City Traffic Police has made headlines for acting against transport operators, it seems to have had limited impact on the ground.

Despite the decrease in petroleum prices, they continue to charge fares of Rs270 to Rs280 on the Murree-to-Rawalpindi route.

Sources said these practices have had adverse effects on Murree's entire tourism industry.

Residents have demanded of relevant officials to intervene and play a decisive role in providing relief to the public.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 18^th, 2023.