Murree to have more tourist spots

CM says poor structures destroying natural beauty of hill station

MURREE:

More tourist spots should be developed in Murree and Kotli Sattian and a comprehensive plan should be made for the development of the Murree.

This was discussed in a meeting held under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and former Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, in which they were given a detailed briefing regarding various projects.

Murree has become a concrete jungle, said Nawaz Sharif, adding that the construction standards have not been taken into consideration. He said that the construction of hotels, and buildings on land sliding points can be dangerous. The ancient beauty of historical buildings is destroyed, he added.

Bad structures are distorting the natural beauty of Murree, said Maryam.

A ban on the use of plastic bags was also ordered in Murree and other tourist places. The site was examined for building a state-of-the-art hospital in Murree. The proposal to issue permit cards to enter vehicles in Murree was considered. In-principle approval was given for a water supply scheme to bring water from river Jhelum to Murree. The maintenance and filtration plant of the existing water scheme was also discussed in the meeting.

The officials also talked about measures to run cable cars and modern trams for parking in Murree. Banning the entry of vehicles into Murree was considered. It was directed to ensure the presence of parking in every building. Illegal buildings in Murree were identified and directed to demolish them immediately.

Motorway-style clean toilets will be constructed in Murree. The Solid Waste Management Authority and Parks and Horticulture were approved for Murree. The final plan for the removal of encroachments in Murree has been approved. It was decided to make the general bus stand functional and close the illegal bases in Murree. The roads of Murree were approved to be made one-way and widened. The officials also directed the immediate construction and repair of Murree roads and the removal of potholes. The extension of Jhikagli Chowk was also reviewed in the meeting.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 16^th, 2024.