Kuntala waterfalls lack basic amenities, await official attention

The famed Kuntala waterfalls in Adilabad lack basic facilities like toilets and accommodation, deterring tourists. Despite multiple development proposals since 2017, none have materialised.

Adilabad: Despite being a popular natural attraction, the Kuntala waterfalls in Adilabad district, continue to suffer from neglect, lacking even basic amenities such as toilets, accommodation, and transport facilities, causing inconvenience to the growing number of visitors.

Often referred to as the “Kashmir of Telangana” for its scenic beauty, Adilabad is home to several waterfalls including Kuntala, Pochera, and other seasonal cascades. However, these spots fall far short of realising their tourism potential due to the absence of essential infrastructure.

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Kuntala waterfalls, the most renowned among them, currently have no toilet facilities, shelters, accommodation options, or dedicated TGSRTC bus connectivity. Visitors are forced to depend on hotels and lodges in the towns of Adilabad or Nirmal and hire private vehicles to reach the site, incurring high costs in the process.

Although proposals for the development of such amenities have been pending for years, little progress has been made, reflecting a lack of interest among officials in boosting tourism in the region.

In 2017, the union government announced plans for a “Tribal Circuit” aimed at linking all waterfalls and forts in the erstwhile Adilabad district at an estimated cost of Rs.104 crore. This project envisaged a wide range of facilities to enhance tourism infrastructure.

Under this initiative, a tribal resort was proposed at Kuntala village at a cost of Rs.16.41 crore, while an additional Rs.7.33 crore was earmarked for developing facilities at Kuntala waterfalls. A ropeway bridge planned by the forest department in 2018 also aimed to attract more tourists to the site. However, none of these plans has materialised.

In 2021, six tents were set up at Kuntala to help visitors rest, but they remain unused. No personnel were deployed to manage or rent out the tents, rendering the entire effort ineffective and wasting public funds.

Nature enthusiasts have urged officials to create proper facilities that would not only enhance the experience for visitors but also generate livelihood opportunities for locals. “Kuntala has the potential to attract tourists from across Telangana and neighbouring states. However, the government has shown negligence by failing to allocate funds for essential amenities,” said P Shyamsundar Reddy, a nature lover.

Responding to the issue, District Forest Officer Prasanth Patil said that a detailed project report had been submitted to the forest department seeking funds for the development of Kuntala waterfalls and an urban forest park at Mavala mandal headquarters. The proposal includes tented and premium guest houses, safari services, swimming pools, and other tourist amenities, he said.