Some go so far as to call it the ‘killer highway’ - there have been many fatal accidents because of the lack of road signs and streetlights.
Currently, CDA is funding the development and construction of a number of recreational spots along the highway leading to Murree and Gilgit- Baltistan - also called Murree Road. Rawal Lake Viewpoint is an example.
The CDA has tried to develop it into an attractive tourist spot, which is also helping CDA earn revenue. However, Murree Road does not even have enough streetlights.
The ones that do exist are mostly out of order. This has caused a number of accidents in recent years. Not only humans but animals have also fallen prey. The road passes through a thickly populated area of Islamabad. People, who live on both sides of the road, are in constant danger - quite a few have lost their lives crossing the highway.
Traffic police officials consider over-speeding the major reason behind these accidents. They have installed speed radars at various spots along the highway in a bid to overcome the problem. This has helped decrease the number of accidents on the highway.
But when asked about the movement of animals, which include cows, buffaloes, goats, ducks, hens and even camels, they said it was the responsibility of the CDA to erect fences on both sides of the road. Riffat Khan, an ITP official, told The Express Tribune that it is not the duty of the traffic police to run after these animals. “We are here to only deal with the traffic on the road and not cattle around it,” said official.
When the issue was first brought to the notice of CDA spokesperson Ramzan Sajid, he had maintained that the animals were not a threat. “If we put up signs warning motorists about animals, it will give the impression that we are aware of the issue and not doing anything,” he had originally maintained.
When contacted on Tuesday, Imtiaz Inayat Elahi, Chairman CDA expressed amazement at the free movement of animals on the highway and said it was not at all in his knowledge.
“It is a great threat not only to human life but for animals too,” he added.
He said he would order the environment department of CDA to monitor the free movement of animals on the Highway and take action against the people responsible.
“The installation of warning sign boards lies with the National Highway Authority (NHA) but the CDA will take up the issue with them soon,” said Elahi.
Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Amer Ali Ahmad said that a few months back the issue was taken up and a proposal was chalked out.
He said the Islamabad Capital Territory would try to ensure the installation of the warning sign board before the coming Eid.
Latif Sheikh, deputy director media department NHA, said that installation of sign boards and pedestrian bridges had been planned but then abandoned due to floods. “Installing sign boards will not be of any use until and unless the local people there are educated about their importance,” he added.
He felt that fencing the highway would help tackle the issue but claimed that local people steal it.
However, Arshad Muneer, director public relations NHA said that fencing could only be done on motorways. “We cannot put a fence on both sides of Murree Road because there is a huge population living on both sides,” he added. He insisted that warning signs were the best option.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 11th, 2010.
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