Preps ordered for snow season in Murree

Officials asked to submit comprehensive plan within one month

RAWALPINDI:

In anticipation of the upcoming snow season in Murree, authorities concerned have ordered measures to ensure the safety and convenience of tourists.

According to official sources, directives have been issued to develop a comprehensive tourism security plan within the next month. This plan aims to guarantee both the well-being of visitors and efficient snow removal operations from December 25, 2023, to March 31, 2024.

In a specially convened meeting, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Revenue Nabil Riaz Sindhu has instructed the Murree administration to collaborate closely with the Punjab Disaster Management Authority, traffic police, highway department, and other relevant institutions to craft an enhanced security and rescue strategy for the upcoming snowfall season.

One key aspect of the plan involves the highway department, ensuring that all vehicles are in optimal condition for snow removal on the main roads during snowfall. Adequate staffing for ice-salting operations and a sufficient stockpile of salt are also crucial components of this plan.

Furthermore, comprehensive snow removal plans for all routes to and from Murree are being devised, with coordination efforts extended to the governments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir to clear roads leading from Rawalpindi, Azad Kashmir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Murree.

In a bid to enhance the tourist experience, all hotels, restaurants, and guest houses in Murree are required to offer rental services, quality food, and maintain suitable facilities, including heaters. Additionally, a uniformed police force from the Civil Defence Department will remain on duty throughout the season to ensure tourist safety.

The responsibility of gathering data on vehicles arriving from Azad Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Rawalpindi into Murree has been entrusted to the traffic police. They will maintain continuous vigilance and issue alerts round the clock during snowfall. Robust security measures will be implemented at prominent tourist spots, including Mall Road and GPO.

To bolster security, all scheduled vacations for rescue agencies stationed in Murree will be canceled during the snowy season.

Adequate food supplies, including sugar and flour, must be ensured during the snowfall season, officials were ordered.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 19^th, 2023.