Global Problems


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Climate Change Impacts on Murree,
july/2025

Climate Change Impacts on Murree, Pakistan – Challenges & Solutions

Murree, nestled in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, is one of Pakistan’s most cherished hill stations. Known for its scenic beauty, lush pine forests, and cool weather, Murree has historically served as a major tourist destination and a summer retreat for people across the country. However, over the past decade, climate change has begun to cast a long shadow over this idyllic town. From erratic snowfall patterns to increasing landslides and water scarcity, Murree is experiencing profound environmental changes that threaten its ecology, economy, and local way of life. This article explores the key climate-related challenges Murree faces today and proposes viable solutions to mitigate their impact.

1. Erratic Weather Patterns & Declining Snowfall

The Problem

One of the most visible signs of climate change in Murree is the change in snowfall patterns. Traditionally, Murree was known for its thick winter snow that blanketed the town from December to February. However, this trend is changing. Rising temperatures have led to irregular snowfall and increased winter rains, disrupting the seasonal rhythm. The tragic 2022 snowstorm is a stark reminder. More than 30 people lost their lives when sudden and unusually heavy snowfall hit the area, followed by rapid melting. Thousands of tourists were stranded, and many died due to hypothermia and lack of emergency access. Climate experts have pointed out that while the storm was intense, it was made deadlier by the unpredictability caused by climate change—short, intense snowfall followed by warming temperatures.

The Solution

To counteract the negative effects of changing snowfall patterns, Murree’s tourism model needs diversification:

● Seasonal Diversification: Focus should shift toward promoting spring, summer, and autumn tourism, including nature trails, birdwatching, festivals, and historical tours.
● Artificial Snow Solutions: Although expensive, ski resorts can explore artificial snow technologies used in countries like Japan and Austria, especially if winter tourism is to be retained.
● Advanced Weather Warning Systems: Improved forecasting and early warning systems can help authorities and tourists prepare better for extreme weather events.

2. Increased Landslides & Flooding

The Problem

Murree's hilly terrain makes it vulnerable to landslides, a risk now exacerbated by deforestation and erratic rainfall. In 2023, multiple landslides along the Murree Expressway led to road blockages and vehicle damage. Heavy rainfall events have become more frequent and intense, often triggering flash floods and slope failures.
Leh Nullah and other small streams that run through Murree have become prone to overflowing during monsoons. Unchecked urban expansion, poor construction practices, and inadequate drainage further increase the risk of damage to homes, roads, and livelihoods.

The Solution

To reduce the risk of landslides and floods:
Reforestation: Replanting native tree species such as pine and oak will help stabilize soil and slopes. Government and community initiatives should encourage afforestation on both public and private lands.
● Drainage Infrastructure: Upgrading drainage systems, especially in urban and roadside areas, will allow rainwater to flow without triggering erosion or flooding.
● Building Regulations: Enforcing strict construction guidelines on slopes and flood-prone areas can minimize structural damage and casualties during extreme weather events.

3. Water Scarcity & Drying Springs

The Problem

Water scarcity is a growing issue in Murree. Many of the town’s natural springs and streams, once relied upon for drinking and daily use, are drying up. Reduced snowfall, which historically helped recharge underground aquifers, is a key factor. Additionally, the rapid growth in tourism and hotel industries has increased demand on already limited water resources.
Many hotels extract groundwater through borewells, leading to over-extraction and depletion of underground reserves. During peak seasons, residents in some parts of Murree face hours-long shortages, relying on water tankers at high costs.

The Solution

Addressing water scarcity requires a multipronged approach:
● Water Conservation Policies: Government must introduce strict water usage guidelines for hotels, resorts, and public buildings. Metered usage can help regulate consumption.
● Rainwater Harvesting: New constructions, especially commercial establishments, should be required to install rainwater harvesting systems. Collected rainwater can be filtered and reused.
● Community Water Management: Local organizations should be encouraged to monitor and manage spring conservation efforts, ensuring equitable access and responsible use.

4. Biodiversity Loss (Flora & Fauna)

The Problem

Murree’s unique ecosystem, home to rich flora and fauna, is under serious threat. As temperatures rise, native species are being pushed out of their natural habitats. The pine and deodar forests, critical for carbon capture and soil stability, are shrinking due to both climate stress and human activity.
Animals such as the Himalayan black bear and leopard are increasingly rare. Changes in temperature and vegetation also enable invasive plant and insect species to thrive, further disrupting native biodiversity.

The Solution

Protecting biodiversity requires both policy and grassroots involvement:
● Protected Zones: Establishing strictly protected forest zones and wildlife corridors will ensure animals can move freely and safely, helping maintain ecological balance.
● Community Conservation: Local communities should be trained and incentivized to protect their surrounding ecosystems. Eco-tourism projects can provide income while preserving natural heritage.
● Monitoring Programs: Scientific monitoring of species populations, forest health, and invasive threats can inform timely interventions and conservation planning.

5. Rising Temperatures & Heat Stress

The Problem

Murree’s traditional appeal as a cool summer destination is diminishing. In recent years, the town has experienced abnormal temperature spikes, even during the height of summer. Heatwaves that once were unheard of in the region have become a recurring phenomenon, affecting both human comfort and ecosystem stability.
This not only reduces tourism but also increases stress on local health and energy systems. The use of air conditioning and cooling systems, once rare in Murree, is now growing, placing more demand on electricity and contributing to emissions.

The Solution

Urban planning must integrate climate resilience:

● Green Infrastructure: Planting more trees within urban spaces, developing parks, and encouraging green roofs can help reduce ambient temperatures and improve air quality.
● Climate-Responsive Architecture: Promoting energy-efficient building designs, using natural ventilation and insulation, will reduce dependence on artificial cooling.
● Public Awareness: Educating locals and tourists about heatwave risks, hydration, and shelter can prevent health emergencies.

6. Pressure on Tourism Infrastructure

The Problem

Murree’s tourism infrastructure was not designed for the number of visitors it receives today. In peak seasons, hundreds of thousands of tourists visit within weeks, overwhelming hotels, roads, waste systems, and emergency services. Climate change-induced disruptions—like sudden snowfall or heatwaves—exacerbate this strain, leading to traffic jams, garbage accumulation, and service breakdowns.

Additionally, improper waste disposal and sewage discharge into nearby streams pollute the environment, harming both human health and biodiversity.

The Solution

To ensure tourism remains sustainable:
● Visitor Caps: Introducing a permit-based entry system during peak seasons can help control numbers and ensure safety.
● Sustainable Facilities: Hotels and resorts should be required to meet environmental standards regarding energy use, water conservation, and waste management.
● Investment in Public Services: Local governments need funding and planning support to expand waste collection, water supply, and emergency response services.

7. Changing Agricultural Patterns

The Problem

Though Murree is primarily a tourist town, many surrounding villages rely on agriculture. Changing rainfall patterns and rising temperatures have disrupted traditional farming cycles. Crops like maize and potatoes, once reliable, now yield inconsistently due to unpredictable weather and pest infestations.
This increases economic pressure on rural communities, many of whom are forced to migrate for alternative employment.

The Solution

Climate-smart agriculture can help:
● Crop Diversification: Introducing climate-resilient crops and varieties that require less water or mature faster.
● Rainwater Storage: Constructing small-scale reservoirs and community tanks can help farmers during dry spells.
● Extension Services: Agricultural departments should provide training and tools to help farmers adapt to new conditions.

8. Forest Fires & Dry Spells

The Problem

Another emerging threat is the increased frequency of forest fires, often triggered by prolonged dry spells or human negligence. In recent years, fires in the Galiyat region have destroyed hundreds of acres of forest. These fires not only destroy biodiversity but also release massive amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, worsening climate change.
Dry spells have become longer and more frequent, weakening trees and making forests more vulnerable to disease and pests.

The Solution

Preventing and managing forest fires requires coordinated action:
● Fire Surveillance: Installing fire lookout towers and deploying drones for early detection.
● Community Training: Local villagers and tourism staff should be trained in fire prevention and emergency response.
● Regulations: Banning open fires and campfires in vulnerable areas during dry seasons can reduce accidental ignitions.

Murree’s environmental crisis is not isolated—it is a local expression of a global climate emergency. While the town still retains its natural charm, continued inaction could lead to irreversible damage. Urgent measures are needed at multiple levels—government, community, and individual—to ensure that Murree can withstand the challenges ahead.
From regulating tourism and improving infrastructure to reforesting hills and managing water resources, the solutions are achievable with commitment and collaboration. Murree must serve as a model for other mountain towns in Pakistan, demonstrating how thoughtful adaptation and proactive governance can protect both people and nature.
Preserving Murree isn’t just about saving a tourist destination—it’s about securing the environmental future of a region that holds ecological, economic, and cultural significance for millions.

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