Tahira Irfa
Murree is the very first name which runs into everyone’s mind either the mood is to get relief from scorching heat in summer or to intense the feel of cold in winter with snowy effects.Weather plays an important part in life and economy of Murree. Murree remains charming all year round especially in winter and summer and receives maximum number of visitors.In both these weathers, Â scenery is most enchanting, the gigantic trees are covered with white snow, the little birds with feather of exquisitely charming colors sitting on the trees please the ear with their sweet notes and the butterflies with wings of most beautiful hues can be seen flitting from flower to flower. The many verities of lovely flowers and beautiful ferns provide another source of delight to the eye.To peep a bit into the history, the name Murree is derived from ‘marhi’, “high place” although there is a popular belief that it was named after the Virgin Mary during the British times. Murree is accessible by road from the center of the Islamabad and Rawalpindi areas. It is still associated with Britain; many British fruits (including cherries, raspberries and strawberries) thrive locally. There is a church, built in 1857, located at the center of the town, which is still used as a place of worship. Many houses around the church are still standing, functioning mostly as hotels. Old traditional restaurants have been replaced by fast food shops and newer restaurants.Murree a popular hill station and a summer resort in Pakistan is located along Islamabad-Kohala highway N75, some 30 km (19 mi) northeast of Islamabad,its altitude was established at 7,000 feet (2,100 m), but its actual altitude has now been determined as 2,300 m (7,500 ft) above sea level. It’s the most favorite destination for Pakistani tourists in Sumer and during snowfall of winter.Murree has expanded since 1947 at a rate much greater than that which its infrastructure can sustain. Securing water and electricity has been a constant challenge. The jam-packed bazaar has caught fire a number of times in the last century, and the growth of tourism and a construction boom have had an adverse effect on the local environment. Especially during the heavy spell of snowfall in winter brings much difficulties for natives as well as visitors. Adopting minor preventive measures during rainy and snowfall season we can save this blessing from turning into a curse for ourselves and others as well. Same is the case with current spell of snow fall in Murree as predicted by MET Department this spell has to spread long for 3,4 days, responsibility lies on both administration and visitors. However efforts of Tehsil administration Murree especially Arif Ullah Awan AC Murree in light of the directions of DC Rawalpindi Tallat Mehmood Gondal are commendable. To fulfill their part, administration has taken all necessary measurements to cope with any expected hindrance. As per their spokesman, 16 vehicles are continuously active for clearing roads from cluster of snow. It has taken on board other departments like Rawalpindi Waste Management to assist Highway Department and Rescue 1122 will cater medical facilities. Prioritizing thevisitors control room has been established where visitors can call 051 9269014-16 for assistance and extra Traffic Wardens have been called upon to ensure smooth flow of traffic. To play their part visitors are advised to come with warm clothes and full fuel tanks, observe traffic rules and avoid unnecessary travel after 08:00pm. Families with infants and asthma patients are also advised to avoid travelling Murree during current spell of snow.Now responsibilities lies on us to fulfill our social responsibility and observe traffic rules as well as all the advisory directions disseminated by the administration to make our trips pleasure ones and memorable for lifetime.
