Snowfall makes life difficult in upper parts of Hazara

F.P. Report

ABBOTTABAD: A new spell of snowfall on Wednesday has started in the upper parts of the Hazara division as forecasted by the metrology department which would be continued for next three days.

Galyat Development Authority (GDA) cleared the main Murree road just two days ago for the vehicular traffic whereas some of the connecting roads were still blocked. The new spell of snowfall is expected to be heavy. Talking to media the spokesperson of GDA Ahsan advised all of the tourists to use only petrol car for travel in the Galyat and expert drivers should come. Talking about the accidents in the Galyat he said parking vehicles alongside roads and taking selfies was also causing mishaps. He asked drivers to avoid unnecessary travelling and adopt extraordinary precautions while driving on slippery roads.

Ahsan said during every snowfall we issue a travel advisory for tourists and local commuters to avoid any untoward situation and also deploy staff for rescue operations. Sardar Naeem an inhabitant of the Galyat told to media that removal of snow from vehicular and pedestrian areas and application of de-icing material where applicable is the prime responsibility of the contractor but they failed.

He further said that vendors were taking advantage of slippery roads in Galyat and charging up to 8000 rupees from tourists for installation of tire chains. Although GDA has also established a help desk in Galyat to cope with the land sliding, road blockage, electricity breakdown and other issues but locals have many complaints about the services of GDA. People are stuck in the houses and are facing shortage of food items, firewood, medicines.