Residents of Murree have appealed to the Chief Justice of Pakistan,  Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and  Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif to take immediate notice of the dangerous landslide risk emerging from the Jhika Gali Chowk remodeling project.According to the residents, the project has already brought several homes to the brink of collapse, while deep cracks have appeared in adjacent lands, posing a severe threat to life. They warned that if timely preventive measures are not taken, the damage could far exceed official estimates.

Residents allege that last year’s remodeling of Jhika Gali Chowk destroyed the historic colonial-era market, rendering hundreds of people unemployed and depriving locals of their lands. They believe the current landslide is a direct consequence of that project and urged the provincial government to learn from past failures. A few years back, the Punjab government had attempted a high-cost parking plaza on the western side of Jhika Gali market, which also left hundreds of locals unemployed.

Over 1.5 billion PKR worth of gravel alone was used for that project, which ultimately failed.later an important meeting was held before Jhika Gali remodeling project .The project was discussed in formal manner.During meeting  Chief (R&B)  told participants of meeting that widening the Gali Chowk within the scope of the project is included, for which RMK from Lawrence College to the shops along the roadside had to be demolished.

They emphasized that these shops are located towards the valley side and have been constructed on weak ground over a platform. Furthermore, they mentioned a previous incident in which, during the construction of a parking plaza on the opposite hill, a severe landslide (ground subsidence) occurred. To control further subsidence, continuous measures were taken for 8 years, which cost more than 1 billion rupees. 

Based on this experience, they warned that improving the project in this area could pose a new risk of slope failure or landsliding. Therefore, they recommended that before widening the chowk, a detailed geotechnical investigation should be carried out so that this risk can be minimized.Residents warned that the current project site is on unstable slopes, increasing the risk of landslides. They suggested a detailed geotechnical study before continuing the project to mitigate potential hazards.

Moreover, Jhika Gali market was a vital supply source for local villages and tourists, providing essential goods and services. Its sudden demolition has caused significant hardship. Residents urged the government to consider alternatives to restore these essential services for the community.When contacted to Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi over the issue informed that the district administrator is taking every necessary steps to overcome the suffering of affected people.

Rescue teams were deployed in and around Jheeka Gali and residents were shifted to safer locations. Personnel from Rescue 1122, police and other departments remained active on the ground.He further said emergency machinery and medical teams have been stationed, while efforts are underway to clear debris and restore road access. Authorities have also provided basic supplies to affected families.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)