A special meeting chaired by PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif in Murree on Thursday reviewed progress on the Murree Development Plan, with a particular focus on water supply, roads, tourism infrastructure and preservation of the hill station’s heritage.Chairperson of the Steering Committee for the Murree Development Programme Maryam Aurangzeb briefed the meeting on various projects.The meeting was told that four major water supply schemes had been completed on the chief minister’s directives, increasing Murree’s water availability by around 700,000 gallons a day.The completion of the Donga Gali water supply scheme had increased its capacity from 50,000 gallons to 350,000 gallons per day, while schemes in Dhara Jawa, Massot and Khani Gait had also been completed.The meeting set December 2028 as the deadline for the bulk water supply project from the River Jhelum to Murree. Seven pumping stations and a 29.6-kilometre pipeline would be constructed under the project, which would benefit more than 425,000 people in Murree and Kotli Sattian. A water treatment plant would also be established.It was further told that water was being supplied to 96,000 households in Murree through bowsers and water tankers on the chief minister’s instructions.A deadline of Oct 31 was set for completion of the construction and expansion projects on the Rawalpindi-Murree-Kashmir (RMK) Road. The meeting was informed that regular construction, expansion and rehabilitation of the road had been undertaken after nearly four decades
.Measures had also been taken to prevent landslides along the RMK Road, while streetlights, road furniture, roadside shoulders and tiled footpaths were being installed.The meeting was also briefed on plans to develop Murree’s first green Hill View Park on Mall Road. Following the removal of encroachments, the city’s first amphitheatre would be established there, with seating capacity for 600 people. Walkable areas, a family park and kiosks for food and other items would also be developed.Six gazebos and a children’s play area were also planned as part of the Mall Road Hill View project.The meeting was informed that an elevated bridge would be established for tourists at the Basra Gali Wildlife Park, described as the first of its kind in Punjab. The bridge would pass through the nature trail, Jungle Journey, Animal Kingdom and lion enclosure, while providing views of the tiger and leopard houses, Pine Lodge and Wild Retreat Park.An amphitheatre, souvenir shop, food court and an ecologue would also be developed at the wildlife park.The meeting approved, in principle, the formulation of special rules and regulations for shops, hotels and cafes on Mall Road. It also agreed to introduce traditional wooden doors instead of iron shutters on shops along prominent roads in Murree.Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed that Murree’s historic GPO and church be restored and maintained in their original condition.The meeting also decided to remove tangled electricity wires and introduce underground cabling at Jhika Gali, GPO, Government House and Kashmir Point.Japanese geologists had submitted a detailed report on the Jhika Gali side, the meeting was told. A total of 296 piles would be installed to protect the Jhika Gali project, of which 200 had already been completed.A proposal to restrict the entry of old and dilapidated vehicles into Murree was also considered.The meeting was further briefed on the biodiversity park and other projects. The chief minister directed IESCO officials to provide a dedicated power line to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to Sambli Hospital.
*Murree water projects reviewed, 700,000 gallons added to supply*
