With the Corbett waterfall located at Nayagaon in Kaladhungi, that had become an integral part of the lakhs of visitors’ sojourn in recent years— remaining closed for nearly six months since the monsoon season, the tourists are disappointed.
On account of the delay in carrying out the repair works inside the aforesaid tourist zone, post monsoon, it is not yet ready to welcome guests this season. Unlike many tourist junctions like the Corbett Tiger Reserve in Ramnagar, the Corbett waterfall at Nayagaon remains open throughout the year. But the inordinate delay in having things repaired has led to the closure of the much- acclaimed tourist zone, leaving countless tourists upset.
Many trees fell at the Corbett fall due to a storm during the monsoon season this year, throwing mobility out of gear inside it, said Shekhar Tiwari, Kaladhungi Range Officer of the Ramnagar forest division, while talking to The Pioneer.
“We have conducted a survey of such trees. Now the forest development corporation has to dispose them off. Only after the disposal of the debris, necessary infrastructure can be put in place for opening the Corbett waterfall for the public,” added Tiwari.
However, the question remains that even if the department concerned starts disposing off the debris, would it facilitate accessibility inside the tourist zone in a month or soIJ As the figures provided by officials, nearly two lakh tourists visit this tourist destination every year. Besides, it also earns over `1 crore as revenue annually in terms of entry fees. Besides, it provides employment to hundreds of locals.
Facing the Terai landscape on its south and flanked by the foothills of Nainital on the north, the Corbett fall has remained a cynosure of the tourists over the past few years. And located amidst thick forests along the Haldwani—Ramnagar Road near Nayagaon, Kaladhungi, the Corbett fall is also known for its rich natural resources aside from a picturesque landscape.
More so, the presence of a various wildlife species, including a motley crowd of birds, tigers, elephants, have made this natural spot one of the most widely visited tourist destinations across Uttrakhand. A rivulet fed by many of its tributaries, cutting through the dense, secluded forests adds to its attraction. Besides, the location is approachable by different modes of transport— railways, road and air — from Delhi via Ramangar or Haldwani.
It may be recalled that rising up to its importance as a natural tourist spot, the State Forest Department opened the Corbett waterfall for the public in 1999-2000. Since then, the number of tourists, including the foreigners visiting the site, has gone up.
Meanwhile, in view of the rising number of people visiting the site, the Ramnagar forest division which has Corbett waterfall under its purview, earlier claimed to be focusing on its beautification while keeping intact its natural bounty. Yet, regretfully, much has not been done in terms of putting in place the necessary basic facilities even till date to facilitate mobility.