Amid the high chances of snowfall in Murree, the authorities have limited the car numbers to be allowed to enter the hill station. According to media reports, Punjab Relief commissioner Naveed Ahmed Shirazi said that only 8,000 vehicles would be permitted in Murree, while the whole area would be monitored through CCTV cameras.
Shirazi also directed the relevant authorities to remove all hurdles from the roads and hold a grand mock exercise to tackle the snow. “13 relief centers have been established, while extra personnel of 1122 rescue workers and policemen have been posted to tackle any emergency,” the official said.
Furthermore, he banned the transfers of all officials from Murree during the snow season, while he urged the citizens to call 1129 in case of an emergency.
Vehicle Entry Ban on Mall Road
In another major step to tackle the potential emergency, the local police have banned the entry of all vehicles on Mall Road. “Over 270 policemen have been allocated at different points of the hill station to tackle any kind of problem due to snowfall,” the police said.
Moreover, five lifters and one crane have been deployed in the city to clean snow from the road and clear no-parking zones. “Five roads have been declared one-way, while a traffic control has been set at Sunny Bank Chowk,” the police said. The police have decided to only allow mechanically-fit vehicles inside the city, while a special schedule has been announced for the entry of heavy vehicles in the region.
Meanwhile, the Met has predicted light to moderate snowfall in Murree, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Malakand, Haripur, Mardan, and other adjacent areas.
Last Year’s Tragedy
Last year, 22 people froze to death after being stuck in a snowstorm. The major reason for the tragedy was the negligence of local authorities as they allowed over 13,000 vehicles in Murree, which had a capacity of 4,000.
If you are traveling to Murree this year, please stay safe, and here are some tips; if, god forbid, you get stuck in a snowstorm. And before going to these areas to see snowfall, please follow these tips.
