Second Spell Of Snowfall Continues In Murree And Surroundings

Murree: The Second Spell Of Heavy Snowfall In Murree And Surroundings has continued uninterrupted in Murree and Galyat since Friday night and as per the latest information around two feet of snow has been recorded in Murree and surroundings whereas the Galyat region has recorded around three feet of snowfall. As per the latest information the snow clearing department is facing hurdles because of the continuous snowfall and the tourists are advised to visit Murree with proper preparation. Earlier last week the government had decided for the safety of the public that a limited entry to the Hill Station would be allowed with the number of vehicles should not raise to the level which resulted in a Severe Traffic Jam In Murree Due To Snowfall and consequently to the human tragedy. The frequent traffic jams are also reported in Murree and Galyat owing to the intensity of the second spell of snowfall.

It has also been reported that long queues of vehicles are seen on the entry points of Murree and only at Satra Mile entry points thousands of vehicles were diverted by the city administration. The limited entry to Murree is seriously damaging the business of around 1000 businessmen, local transporters, and other services providers in Murree who largely depend upon the seasonal earnings to run the business expenses throughout the year besides making bread and butter to their families. The business community has stressed the need of improving the efficiency of administration that caused the tragedy rather than victimizing the businesses of the city and putting them in economic crises.

The Galyat region has also experienced heavy snowfall and the Galyat Development Authority is working round the clock to clear the main Nathiagali- Abbottabad Road up to Barian. The KP government has also allowed limited entry to Galyat region through Abbottabad. Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Punjab Kamran Afzal visited Murree Tourist Spots on Friday along with Commissioner Rawalpindi Division and Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi and reviewed the arrangements made by the local administration for the public safety during the snowfall period. The CS appreciated the arrangements of the district administration and advised the tourists to cooperate with the administration to avert any human tragedy during the snowfall. The newly appointed Commissioner Rawalpindi Nurul Amin said that all the arrangements have been made to facilitate the tourists including a control room that would work round the clock till Jan 25. He also advised the tourists to get proper information before visiting Murree during the snowfall. He added that citizens should contact the control room on 051-9292963 and 051-9269016 where all the concerned departments including Rescue 1122 will remain on duty.