By Asif Mehmood Awan
Abbottabad (Galiyat): About 80 percent of communication roads in the Galiyat region have been cleared following recent heavy snowfall, officials said during a high-level review meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad Sarmad Saleem Akram.
The meeting was co-chaired by Director General Galiyat Development Authority Muhammad Fawad and attended by officers from the offices of Assistant Commissioner Headquarters, Assistant Commissioner Galiyat, GDA, Pakhtunkhwa Highways Authority (PKHA), KITE project, Communication and Works (C&W) Department, police, Rescue 1122, and other relevant departments.
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Officials briefed the meeting that 61 roads under the Galiyat Development Authority had been fully reopened, while snow clearance work was ongoing on four remaining roads. PKHA has restored the main Murree Road, with additional snow removal underway along the road shoulders. The C&W Department has reopened 28 roads, temporarily restored six others where further work is in progress, while two roads remain closed.
It was further shared that snow clearance on the Thandiani Road has been completed by the KITE project. Alongside road restoration, departments have been directed to remove snow accumulated along road edges to ensure safe movement for tourists.
After the reopening of main highways, priority has now been shifted to clearing link roads and town roads. The deputy commissioner stressed that roads leading to hospitals and primary health centres must be cleared on an urgent basis. He directed that the restoration of Thandiani, Boi, Bakot and other link roads be completed as soon as possible through coordinated efforts of all departments.
The traffic police were instructed to implement effective measures for tourist safety and improved traffic flow, while Rescue 1122 was directed to remain fully prepared for any emergency situation. Special traffic management arrangements were also ordered during morning and evening hours to prevent accidents caused by fog and severe weather conditions.
Deputy Commissioner Sarmad Saleem Akram appreciated the efforts of all departments and staff who continued operations day and night during the snowfall and directed them to maintain a constant presence in Galiyat until full restoration is achieved.
