Problems of Resource Utilization in Human Settlements of Murree-Kahuta Region

Abstract

1.1 Murree and kahuta, two tehsils of the district of Rawalpindi, are geographically distinct enough to be classified as a region. In the east the region is bordered by the river Jhelum; to its west lies the Rawalpindi-Islamabad depression. More than fourth-fifth of its surface is hilly and sub-montane, Plateau. Aspects of landscape and cultural environment resulting therefrom set it apart from other parts of the district and, for that matter, from pothwar of which the district is a part. 1.2 The region forms the north-eastern border of Pothwar. It has for centuries been a marchland through which pothwar has had its contact with the joining Kashmir lying just across the river Jhelum. Apart from the Jhelum valley road, principal highway and trade route between Pakistan and Kashmir, that passes through Murree and terminates at Rawalpindi, three contact routes pass through the region. These cross the Jhelum at Malot, Azad pattan and Karot. These contacts have not only forested commercial ties but also have imparted hues of similarity to the culture of people living in this trans-Jhelum belt. 1.3 The region is water-shed between the Jhelum valley (gorge) and the Rawalpindi-Islamabad depression. Its western drainage forms the headwaters of streams of the Soan basin in pothwar. Seepage from this water-shed is the main source of ground-water from which Rawalpindi-Islamabad have their suppliers of drinking and irrigation storage. 1.4 The region is the economic adjust of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad development. It is rich in forest products like wood and rasins and also has the potential for poultry, vegetables and fruits. The economic weight of this hilly and for sted region, however, is due to its distinctive place in tourist industry. People from every part of the country flock to its cool environs in summer. There are meadows, vales, forested spurs and waterfalls that are known for their tourist attraction. 1.5 Total area of the region is 708 square miles, accounting for 32.14 percent of the area of the district. Kahuta, the larger tehsil, covers more than half (450 square miles or 64.4 percent) of the region’s area; remaining 252 square miles of Murree tehsil account for 32.6 percent of total area. 1.6 Administratively, the region consist of two tehsils-Murree and Kahuta. Each is divided into Qanunga Halqas and each Halqa is further divided into patwar circles (map 2). Each patwar Circle consist of number of villages.