The Toll of Tourism on Murree Residents

Abrish Zaheed Abbasi

Murree/Islamabad: Murree, often called the “Queen of Hills,” is one of Pakistan’s top tourist destinations, known for its stunning scenery, temperate climate, and lush landscapes.

Established by the British in the mid-19th century as a hill station, Murree offers a blend of historical charm and modern appeal, attracting thousands of visitors each year with its breathtaking views and cool mountain air.

However, beneath this picturesque exterior, the residents of Murree face daily struggles that often go unnoticed by the many tourists who visit.

The influx of tourists brings significant challenges to Murree’s residents and environment. The natural beauty that draws visitors is increasingly threatened by waste and pollution from these visits. Increased foot traffic leads to littering, soil erosion, and damage to local wildlife and vegetation.

Despite efforts to manage waste and conserve resources, local authorities struggle to balance environmental preservation with the demands of tourism.

Traffic congestion is another pressing issue. Murree’s infrastructure, originally designed for a much smaller population, is ill-equipped to handle the high volume of vehicles during peak tourist seasons.

Narrow roads become clogged with buses, private vehicles, and transport trucks, causing frequent delays and worsening air pollution. This congestion not only affects daily commutes and increases the risk of accidents but also significantly diminishes the quality of life for Murree’s residents.

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The cultural heritage of Murree is also at risk. The town’s long-standing customs and traditions are increasingly overshadowed by tourism-driven economic interests. Businesses often prioritise visitor preferences over local cultural practices, undermining Murree’s unique identity and making it difficult for residents to maintain their traditions.

Local residents have voiced their concerns and urged authorities to address these issues.

Waqas Waheed, a resident of Barian, Masot, highlighted the problem of traffic jams, noting, “Tourists parking on the roadside create severe congestion, which can be risky, especially in emergencies. Additionally, the lack of public toilets on the route from Pindi to Murree leads to littering and environmental issues. Awareness needs to be raised, dustbins should be provided, and regular monitoring is essential.”

Hifza Sajjid from Rawat, Murree, added, “Students are most affected by traffic jams, which disrupt their studies and delay their return home. The congestion not only wastes time but also contributes to air pollution, impacting academic performance and health.”

In Misyari Town, Hafiz Zafar, a salesman from Islamabad’s Aabpara market who spends weekends at home, described the disruptions during peak tourist seasons: “During Eid and 14th August, hooliganism by irresponsible tourists becomes a serious issue. 

The loud gatherings and reckless behaviour shatter our peace, making it hard to enjoy any quiet. For my ailing parents, the constant noise and chaos right outside our doorstep are particularly distressing, as they find it hard to relax in their own home.”

Mr. Azhar, a traffic police officer in Murree, shared his experience managing the heavy influx of tourists: “During busy times like Eid, traffic officers are everywhere to manage the crowds. We ensure everyone follows the rules and guides tourists to ease traffic flow. With more officers and clear signage, we effectively manage the large influx of tourists and keep traffic moving smoothly.”

Experts like Professor Naseer Memon, an authority on climate change and natural resource management, advocate for sustainable tourism in Murree.

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He emphasises the importance of educating tourists on eco-friendly practices, such as avoiding plastic, marking eco-sensitive areas, and preventing forest fires caused by activities like open cooking.

Memon supports forming eco-volunteer groups and collaborating with stakeholders to create a sustainability plan and promote responsible behaviour.

Professor Dr Muhammad Ismail Kumbhar, Director of University Advancement and Financial Assistance at Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, underscores the need to preserve Murree’s cultural heritage while supporting sustainable tourism.

He suggests documenting and conserving historical sites, involving local artisans in tourism, and developing cultural tourism packages. Dr Kumbhar also calls for regulatory measures to curb over-commercialisation and environmental degradation, and for educating both tourists and locals through programs and workshops.

To address these concerns while supporting tourism, a balanced approach is essential. Enhancing infrastructure, such as better road planning and additional parking, can help alleviate traffic congestion.

Upgrading waste management systems with more public restrooms and regular cleaning will mitigate environmental impacts and improve public health.

Additionally, fostering responsible tourism practices among visitors and involving local communities in tourism management will help preserve Murree’s cultural and natural heritage, ensuring that tourism benefits both residents and visitors alike.

The feature report was released by APP on August 30, 2024.