Murree snow preps to cost Rs46m

As part of preparations for the upcoming snow season in Murree – from December 25 to March 31 – tenders to the tune of Rs46.34 million have been issued for snow-related machinery, equipment and gear.

The tenders, issued by the superintending engineer of the highway department, include salt sprinklers to melt snow, skid chains to remove vehicles stuck in the snow and prevent them from slipping, as well as protective gear including gloves, jackets, kits and long shoes. The tenders have also been issued for hiring private jeeps.

The preparations and pre-emptive measures are to avoid accidents and unfortunate incidents during the snow season rush when tens of thousands of local tourists flock to the popular hill station. The slippery and wet roads can lead to accidents, while travellers trapped in snow-bound vehicles have also died due to hypothermia or carbon monoxide poisoning after inhaling exhaust fumes from heaters.

As part of the tenders, Rs33 million have been allocated for salt to sprinkle on the snow. Over Rs8.7 million has been set aside for skidding chains and protective gear. Another Rs4.4 million would be used to hire private jeeps on rent to tow vehicles to safe places.

Rawalpindi Division Commissioner Liaqat Chattha has given the departments till November 30 to complete preparations.

The target includes maintaining a digital count of vehicles entering Murree from Rawalpindi, Azad Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The number of traffic wardens was slated to be doubled.

After the number of vehicles in Murree has reached the department-specified limit, the three routes leading to Murree will be closed for additional vehicles. However, Murree residents would be allowed to travel on production of an identity card showing the area as their place of residence.

Civil Defence personnel have been instructed to be present and available on the streets to ensure the safety of tourists and their properties. They would be equipped with communication devices and tasers to break up any dispute.

The commissioner also warned business owners against profiteering. The Murree tragedy in Jan 2022, in which 22 tourists lost their lives, was marred by accusations that locals demanded exorbitant amounts from trapped travellers who were forced to spend the night in their vehicles.

Chattha has ordered the availability of essential items and instructed magistrates to review prices daily to ensure stability. The inspections would also include hotels, guest houses and room rental facilities in Murree.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 7^th, 2023.