RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government has approved a development and tourism plan for Murree under which it will in phases improve the water supply infrastructure and launch a ‘glass train’ project to boost tourism in the hill station.

The meeting was presided over by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and lasted for about five hours, said a statement issued by the government on Saturday. The meeting held in Murree also approved beautification, transport, construction, and rehabilitation projects for the district.

According to the statement, the existing water supply system will be repaired and restored. A comprehensive short-, medium-, and long-term plan for the supply of drinking water was presented by the officials concerned at the meeting.

Murree Deputy Commissioner Zaheer Shirazi told Dawn that at present, the hill station was supplied with 1.2 million gallons of water whereas it was requirement was 3MGD (million gallons per day). This leads to water shortage in the city, particularly during summer. A project to store rainwater for domestic use was also approved, with the government planning to support over 1,100 houses in storing rainwater.

CM decides to launch ‘glass train’ to promote tourism, restores old names

In addition to the water project, the meeting approved the Rawalpindi-Murree tourist glass train project and it was decided to hire an international consultant. It was further decided to relocate hotels from the GPO Chowk to an alternative location. The meeting decided to restore the old names of areas and historical buildings, including that of Murree, as well as introduce a uniform colour scheme for old buildings along The Mall.

It also decided to remove multi-storey hotel buildings obstructing the natural scenery of The Mall. The amendments to construction by-laws to transfer approval power to the provincial level were also approved by the meeting, which also decided to take action against officials who allowed illegal constructions in the area.

In different villages of Murree, the meeting decided that RCC and tough tiles would be installed on 53-kilometre-long streets. The construction and expansion of the old Rawalpindi-Murree-Kashmir Road was also approved and temporary parking spaces would also be created on the old Murree road. The remodelling of Jhika Gali Chowk, removal of encroachments, and construction and restoration of Lawrence College Road were approved by the provincial government.

According to the statement, in Bansra Gali Wildlife Park, tree houses, camping sites, pathways, and terrace parking areas will be created whereas the entrances of the PIA and Bagh-e-Shaheedan parks will be renovated. Murree Biodiversity Park will provide natural habitats for plants, birds and animals, along with picnic areas, and tourist huts.

The meeting was told that the construction and repair of 16 roads in Murree had been completed. The meeting was also briefed about the upgradation of the Samli hospital, street lights, and public toilets. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed immediate legislation to restore old names and install memorials in every city in accordance with their history and traditions.

Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, ministers Sohaib Ahmad Malik, Zeeshan Rafiq, Bilal Akbar, Special Assistant Rashid Nasrullah, MNA Usama Sarwar, MPA Bilal Yamin Satti, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Kamran Lashari, and others attended the meeting.

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2024