Karimnagar: Raikal waterfalls spring to life amid rains, but poor access hampers tourism
The Raikal waterfalls have come alive after recent rains, attracting visitors despite poor access roads. Though plans were made in 2017 to develop the site, including road work and amenities, no progress has been made so far.
Karimnagar: The naturally formed waterfalls near Raikal have sprung to life following several days of continuous rainfall, drawing large crowds from nearby areas eager to witness the scenic beauty.
Tucked amidst forested terrain near Raikal village in Saidapur mandal, around 42 km from the district headquarters, the picturesque waterfall tumbles from a height of nearly 200 metres from the Jendagutta hillocks. Above Jendagutta, three smaller waterfalls also flow.
The water originates from a series of around 30 hillocks collectively known as Kotagiriguttalu. These hillocks serve as the main source, and every monsoon, the waterfalls begin to flow, continuing for nearly three months.
Despite the lack of proper road connectivity for the last three-kilometre stretch from Raikal to the waterfalls, tourists have been turning up in large numbers, braving the muddy trail to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy a refreshing drench under the falls.
Apart from locals, visitors from Karimnagar, Huzurabad, Warangal and Siddipet districts are also making the trip. However, reaching the spot remains a challenge due to the lack of a proper road.
It may be recalled that in October 2017, then District Collector Sarfaraz Ahmed and Commissioner of Police VB Kamalasan Reddy had trekked to the waterfalls to assess their tourism potential. On the occasion, the Collector had assured that steps would be taken to develop the location by laying a road from Raikal, creating a trekking path, and establishing amenities in coordination with the forest and tourism departments.
However, none of the assurances have been fulfilled to date.
Following instructions from district officials, the gram panchayat had prepared a proposal for a concrete road (CC road) measuring three kilometres in length and six feet in width, including a culvert. The estimated cost was Rs. 2.5 crore.
Of the total stretch, only 200 metres fall under forest land, with the remaining portion classified as revenue land, making road development feasible, villagers pointed out.
Though the tourism department submitted proposals to lay an approach road and establish basic facilities, there has been no tangible progress.
