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Kuntala waterfalls beguiles tourists
The Kuntala waterfall in the Kawal tiger reserve forest area is at its glory again following the pre-monsoon rains experienced in the State. However, all is not well because adequate measure to ensure safety of tourists is not in place thanks to official’s apathy.
​Boath: The Kuntala waterfall in the Kawal tiger reserve forest area is at its glory again following the pre-monsoon rains experienced in the State. However, all is not well because adequate measure to ensure safety of tourists is not in place thanks to official’s apathy.
The river gets divided into rivulets that dot the sylvan surroundings of the topography prior to descending majestically from a height of 150ft offering a pleasant view to the tourists. As the water comes down rolling, it makes sonorous sound to the delight of all those present.
The nature’s glory draws people not only from the two Telugu States but also from Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Tourists flock the place during rainy season to catch a glimpse of the glorious waterfalls.
In spite of the tourist spot drawing huge crowds, safety measures at the place are insufficient and frightening. Due to the poor safety measures, as many as 50 people, including five in a week, died during the past decade.
Many deaths had occurred as people tried to climb the slippery rocks and fell down into the whirlpool of water. Apart from that, people getting into the water to take baths in an intoxicated condition, taking selfies in dangerous areas are other causes. Two B Tech students, visiting the waterfalls from Hyderabad, fell down in the river while taking selfies and died.
Tourists are falling prey to accidents near the falls due to their lack of awareness on geography and safety measures. Officials are accused of not taking necessary steps to warn the tourists on the impending dangers. Precautions to prevent accidents are not in place even after the number of footfalls at the tourist attraction is on an increase.
Earlier, alerted by the number of mishaps, the officials had installed a fence, set up check-posts to prevent people from venturing into the river and boards displaying warnings, but soon the security measures
disappeared.
To catch a glimpse of the waterfall, people have to climb 400 steps and Enroute to the waterfalls, there is no provision of drinking water. The tourists have been appealing to the government for a rope way as climbing up and down the steps is arduous.
Talking to The Hans India, Swapna, a tourist from Hyderabad, appealed to the government to develop the area further. Another tourist from Hyderabad felt like the government should organise trek camps at the waterfall.
Sravani, student of the veterinary medical college at Korutla, wanted the tourism department to step in and take the development aspect of the place as it is not witnessing any development under the control of Kawal Tiger Reserve.
By: Sai Kiran Jadhav
