Murree: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz recently chaired a comprehensive five-hour meeting to approve the Murree Development Plan, focusing on enhancing the region's infrastructure and tourism appeal.
According to Zameen.Com, Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb provided a detailed briefing which led to the approval of a series of development projects aimed at beautification, transport, construction, and rehabilitation. Key initiatives include the Rawalpindi to Murree Tourist Glass Train Project, with plans to hire an international consultant to oversee its execution. A decision was also made to relocate high-rise hotel buildings obstructing the scenery along Mall Road from GPO Chowk to preserve the natural vista.
Further steps will be taken to ensure building uniformity with uniform appearance, signs, and color schemes for old buildings on Mall Road. The plan also includes the restoration of historical names for cities, areas, and buildings, including Murree, alongside amendments to building laws and shifting approval powers to the provincial level. An in-principle decision was made to take action against officials permitting illegal constructions.
Additional aspects of the development plan covered in the meeting include a comprehensive plan to supply over 600,000 gallons of clean drinking water daily, installation of RCC and tough tiles on 53 kilometers of village streets, and approval of a rainwater storage project benefiting over 1,100 homes. The expansion of the Rawalpindi-Murree-Kashmir Road and creation of temporary parking spaces on Old Murree Road were also approved.
Infrastructure improvements will continue with the remodeling of Jhika Gali Chowk, removal of encroachments, and construction of Lawrence College Road from Boostal Mor to Brewery Road. Development plans for Banser Gali Wildlife Park include tree houses, camping sites, walkways, and terrace parking areas. Renovations are planned for the entrances to PIA and Bagh-e-Shaheedan Parks, alongside the creation of attractive tourist walkways and the establishment of Murree Biodiversity Park, featuring natural habitats for flora and fauna, picnic areas, and tourist huts. The meeting also approved the creation of artist’s corners, walkways, walking tracks, and the promotion of eco-tourism, as well as the completion of the construction and repair of 16 internal roads in Murree.