Absence of snow likely to affect tourists’ influx

RAWALPINDI:

The absence of usual rainfall in Rawalpindi and the dearth of snowfall in Murree has significantly intensified the dry cold spell, raising concerns about the escalating air pollution index in the twin cities.

There is growing apprehension that the winter holiday season in Murree may be jeopardised due to the absence of snow.

Traditionally, Murree, Kotli Sattian, and other adjacent hill resorts experience heavy rains and snowfall from early December to mid-January, attracting tourists from across the country during the winter breaks. However, this year, the influx of tourists to Murree has not commenced as there is minimal likelihood of snowfall in the next two weeks, according to the Meteorological Department.

Business owners in Murree, who eagerly anticipate the winter season, have invested millions of rupees, with public transportation being redirected to the Murree route.

Shopkeepers in Murree have stocked up on various items worth millions, anxiously awaiting the arrival of snow. The potential lack of snowfall between December 25 and December 30 poses a threat to the businesses of shopkeepers and transporters, as the winter break concludes, leading to fewer tourist families from cities such as Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Islamabad, and others.

In response, Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaqat Ali Chatha has said the district administration has made all necessary arrangements to handle any situation in Murree during the winter season. Twelve tourist facilitation centres and a control room have been operationalised with officers from relevant institutions stationed for three weeks.

Read Murree gears up for tourists’ influx

Snowfall season in Murree has been declared from December 15 to February 15. Ticket facilitation centres in Murree, accessible from various routes, operate 24/7 and conduct computerised registration of vehicles entering Murree.

The administration aims to accommodate up to 18,000 vehicles post-snowfall.

Moreover, eight snow removal vehicles equipped with salt-spreading capabilities, additional drivers, helpers, and twenty-five civil defence personnel have been arranged. Compliance with the Lahore High Court Rawalpindi Bench's directives will be ensured, providing hourly updates to vacationing families regarding the snow conditions in Murree, the commissioner said.

To prevent overcrowding and overcharging, immediate action will be taken. The costs of accommodations in hotels, motels, and rest houses will also be regulated based on provided amenities.

During snowfall, a price magistrate will inspect hotels to verify the rates paid by tourists, ensuring a fair and regulated environment for all visitors.

Winter vacations

On the other hand, winter vacations in most of the educational institutions in Murree have been announced. All government and private educational institutions will remain closed for winter vacations until March.

However, concerns are rising among children and parents regarding the announcement of a winter camp for SSC-II students by the administration of the Presentation Convent School Murree.

Parents expressed their concerns about the decision, stating that Murree can witness snowfall at any time during winter, and the morning temperature in Murree often drops below zero degrees Celsius. For children coming from distant areas, reaching school is extremely difficult.

Exams have already taken place, and parents argue that it is not a suitable decision to set up a winter camp during the cold season.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 16^th, 2023.