Nuapada: Located on the border of Chhattisgarh and Nuapada district, Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary sprawls over an area of 600 square kilometres.
The natural vegetation consists of dry deciduous forests which support the animal population of the region. The sanctuary houses animals like tiger, chital, gaur, sambar, leopard, barking deer etc. Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary also has a rich avian population.
Around 11 beautiful, natural waterfalls in the region add to the charm of the place. These include the 63-metre Godhus waterfall amidst the dense forest.
Located 40km away from Komna, with all the hallmarks of a first-rate tourist place, the Godhus waterfall has been lying in neglect as the forest department doesn’t bother to take any measures to maintain the scenic site.
Despite its natural beauty and glory, the waterfall hardly finds place on tourists’ itinerary as it is hard to reach due to lack of proper roads and other basic facilities.
Located deep inside the forest, with a stream gently snaking its way through the rock cliffs, wild flora and fauna and the serene, sylvan surroundings are a tourist’s delight and a must visit for anyone wanting to explore the Sunabeda sanctuary’s beauty.
Regrettably, such breathtaking natural scenery has not been tapped to boost tourism with the department concerned allegedly having done little for its development, especially communication.
The seeming apathy has not gone down well with the locals who are concerned as the forest department was not taking any steps for its renovation and providing it with a tourist destination tag.
The waterfall draws heavy footfall through the year, thanks to its natural splendour. More than 50,000 tourists annually visit the site. Moreover, a Shiva temple is located near the waterfall. Tourists bathe in the waterfall and later visit the temple especially during Shiva Ratri.
However, the waterfall is in a pitiable condition as it has lost its sheen following natural calamities. At a time when the tourist department claims it does everything to boost the tourism sector, the Godhus waterfall tells a different tale.
Although government spends in crores to develop tourist places, it has given a short shrift to the Godhus waterfall with its rich potential. Nature lovers and conservationists wonder why the tourist department does not take any measure for its development.
Locals have demanded eco tourism status, immediate repair of damaged facilities, erection of sidewalls, laying of an approach road, public toilets, guest houses and bright illumination of the site.
When contacted, District Tourism Officer Bhagban Khara said that he had visited the waterfall recently and was preparing a report. Necessary steps to enhance the beauty and attract more tourists would be taken after the report is submitted to the government, he added.
PNN
