Buddha Falls: A forgotten and Neglected Tourist Destination in Tripura
#Asutosh Pal
Surrounded by hills and lush greenery, Tripura's diverse scenic beauty attracts both tourists and nature lovers. Numerous waterfalls cascade down the hills of Tripura. One such waterfall, located in Shilchhara under the Unakoti district in Tripura, has captivated the hearts of tourists.
Despite the challenging journey through winding jungle roads and steep slopes, tourists from across the state and beyond are drawn to the melodious symphony of birdsong and the waterfall’s incessant roar. The sight of locals and visitors alike basking in the sun-kissed waters of the cascading waterfall is a common spectacle.
Found six years ago, the then Chief Minister of Tripura, Biplab Kumar Deb, envisioned the waterfall as a potential tourist hotspot. At that time the water falls was christened as Buddha Falls. For Deb’s visit, a rudimentary road was constructed for accessibility. However, the lack of continued administrative attention has led to its gradual decline.
The road, once ignited hope, is now submerged in the riverbed, posing a perilous challenge to vehicles.
The dense jungle obscures the long path to the destination, and the main road at the waterfall’s mouth has collapsed, merging with the waterfall’s water.
This has made the waterfall difficult to reach, forcing people to risk their lives by climbing the slippery hill path.
The onset of the monsoon season amplifies the waterfall’s appeal, attracting a daily influx of visitors. However, the absence of security measures has turned this secluded spot in the deep forest into a refuge for drug addicts. Accusations of frequent drunken parties post-visit and the litter of intoxicant bottles around the waterfall area demand the need for administrative intervention.
According to the locals, the Buddha Falls, a potential tourist destination, is now a symbol of neglect. They demanded urgent administrative attention to ensure its preservation and safety for visitors. Moreover, administrative oversight is required to stop drug abuse and intoxication in the water fall area.
#Asutosh Pal may be contacted at [email protected]
(Tripura, Tripura News)
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