The Gandahati, a marvelous waterfall of Gajapati district which had been attracting large numbers of visitors during winter, saw almost 50 per cent less of them during this year, thanks to the negligence of the Tourism Department. “The Gandahati waterfall earns fame for consistent water flow throughout the year. Its scenic beauty amidst forest coverage had been attracting visitors from different parts of Odisha and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. Now tourists are visiting in less numbers,” said a local villager.
Similarly, an elderly woman said that Gandahati was witnessing so intense rush in winters that picnic parties were not finding a place for cooking. At a distance of 25 kilometres from here, the waterfall is considered an amazing place of the Gajapati district. “The pleasing view with water falling from a 20-metre-hight and passing though Chanchida stones, as is called locally, across the forest is really heart-touching,” said Saroj Bhuyan, a tourist.
Informing that he had earlier visited the spot twice, Bhuyan said the number of visitors is decreasing dud to non availability of facilities. “Tourists need to go to more than five kilometres to purchase rations. The stony road that leads from Gandahati village to the waterfall looks disinteresting,” he said. When asked, Gajapati Districti Tourist Officer said a proposal to develop Gandahati has been sent to the State Government but no sanction has been made.
