ISLAMABAD: A grand operation against illegal structures that are creating road closures in Murree started Monday on the recommendation of a five-member probe body investigating the tragedy in Murree last week which claimed the lives of more than 23 people at the hill station amid a powerful snowstorm.<\/p>\n
The operation, according to municipal officer Raza Elahi, will target unlawful commercial complexes, hotels, and apartments without parking spaces.<\/p>\n
The municipal officer stated that the process of sealing and demolition of structures on Bansara Gali, Bhurban Road has started.<\/p>\n
Raza Elahi, who is in charge of the anti-encroachment operation, told Geo News that a five-member investigating commission had suggested that encroachments and unlawful constructions be demolished in Murree, declaring illegal structures and encroachments on the Murree Expressway and connecting highways a \u201cmajor obstacle\u201d to the flow of traffic.<\/p>\n
The committee, set up by the Punjab government, is investigating the causes and lapses that led to the deaths of 23 visitors in Murree during a snowstorm on January 8.<\/p>\n
The committee had recommended demolishing all illegal hotels, plazas, and building sites at the hill station.<\/p>\n
23 dead as vehicles stranded in Murree snowfall<\/strong><\/p>\n At least 23 people had died as thousands of tourist vehicles ended up being stranded in Murree due to heavy snowfall and ensuing road blockage last week.<\/p>\n The Punjab government had declared Murree a calamity-hit area after heavy snowfall wreaked havoc on the city.<\/p>\n According to the local administration of Murree, rain and blizzards were forecast around Murree, with thunderstorms at a speed of 50-90 kmph and heavy snowfall.<\/p>\n Further, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) also reprimanded the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and said it is responsible for the Murree tragedy.<\/p>\n