Gourigundala waterfalls to be developed as tourism destination with Rs. 6 crore outlay
The Telangana government has sanctioned Rs 6 crore for the development of Gourigundala waterfalls in Peddapalli as a tourist destination. The plan includes road construction, safety measures, and visitor amenities. The site has witnessed tragic accidents in recent years.
Peddapalli: Decks have been cleared for the development of Gourigundala (Sabbitham) waterfalls in Peddapalli district as a tourist destination, with a sanctioned budget of Rs. 6 crore.
Tourism Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan issued orders to this effect on Wednesday. The funds will be used to improve basic infrastructure and safety facilities at the site, which has been drawing growing crowds during the monsoon season.
Local MLA Ch Vijayaramana Rao, who had promised to develop the site before the Assembly elections, visited the waterfall later and directed officials to prepare project estimates. A detailed plan worth Rs. 12 crore was prepared, of which Rs. 6 crore has now been sanctioned.
Of the total sanctioned amount, Rs. 4.5 crore worth of works will be undertaken by the Tourism Department, while the Forest Department will execute works amounting to Rs. 1.5 crore.
Key works include construction of a three-kilometre road from Sabbitham village to the waterfall and development of visitor amenities such as seating, viewing points, restrooms, and signage. Given past incidents, where youths lost their lives at the site, safety infrastructure is also being prioritised.
The Gourigundala waterfalls are located three kilometres from Sabbitham and about 10 kilometres from Peddapalli town on the Peddapalli–Manthani main road. Tucked in thick forest and surrounded by hillocks, the site has gained popularity for its scenic charm in recent years, despite having a long but little-known history.
Visitors, especially youngsters, often flock to the area to bathe under the cascading waters and take selfies. However, the site has seen a few tragic incidents. In 2022, a youth died after falling from the top of a hillock while taking a selfie. In 2023, another person drowned while bathing. As a precaution, the police had temporarily closed the site in 2024.
Authorities have since installed warning boards and are planning permanent safety measures to restrict visitors from climbing hillocks and venturing into unsafe areas.
Besides the natural attraction, the site also houses a small Gouri Lingeshwara temple with idols of deities including Chandi, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. Locals believe the place was visited by Lord Rama and Sita during their exile.
A regular visitor, Devender Reddy, described the waterfall as a serene location nestled amidst forested hillocks. He welcomed the development initiative but emphasised the need for a permanent road and measures to stop thrill-seeking youths from climbing the rocks for selfies.
