Rawalpindi Division Commissioner Laiqat Ali Chatha ordered strict implementation of the Murree Contingency Plan ahead of the anticipated tourist influx on New Year.
While addressing a meeting on Friday, the official said there should be no delay in the preparations since an additional 140 traffic police personnel were deployed to perform duties. Moreover, the demands put forth for other allied departments had been duly met. Therefore, Murree administration must now ensure the provision of optimal facilities for tourists, he added.
He highlighted the anticipated surge of tourists on New Year's Eve, emphasising the need for all essential arrangements to be made accordingly. He cautioned officers and staff to not take any leave during this period.
He underscored the long-standing issue of traffic congestion in Murree, emphasising the crucial role of the police and traffic department in addressing this challenge. Furthermore, he pledged to ensure the appointment of an independent District Police Officer (DPO) for Murree district through the relevant authorities.
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He also announced the establishment of facilitation centres at 13 locations, including 17 Mile, Lower Topa, Jika Gali, GPO, Kashmir Point, Kuldana, Kali Mitti, Masiyari, Sindhan, Sunny Bank, Bhurban, Thanda Jangal, and Saharbagla. Additionally, 13 SMDs (Static Message Displays) are actively operating across Murree city, displaying public service messages to raise awareness among tourists, he added.
Similarly, the Tourism Department has introduced a helpline for tourists to obtain pre-travel information. To monitor traffic volume, vehicles entering the city are being tracked via digital counting at the 17 Mile Toll Plaza. Furthermore, 26 CCTV cameras have been strategically installed along the main roads to oversee and manage the traffic situation effectively.
During the briefing on the implementation of the contingency plan, Chatha was informed that all departments have been placed on high alert due to the anticipated snowfall in the upcoming days.
The Building Department has also pinpointed a 10-Kanal site under the Murree Improvement Trust for the construction of a parking plaza in Murree. Currently, as per the Murree deputy commissioner, Murree Traffic Police now has access to FM 88.6 frequency for timely forecasts by the Meteorological Department. Additionally, a website will soon provide tourists with weather updates, traffic conditions, hotel information, and essential updates with a simple click before they visit Murree.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 30th, 2023.
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