Excelsior Correspondent
REASI, Feb 17: Once a major summer retreat and a prominent tourist attraction in Reasi, the famous Siyad Baba Waterfall is now in shambles, with its deteriorating condition deeply affecting local businesses and tourism.
Located in Talwara village of Reasi, Siyad Baba Waterfall is among the biggest waterfalls in North India, cascading from over 100 feet at an elevation of 466 meters. The waterfall, known for its breathtaking natural beauty, used to attract thousands of tourists, including devotees visiting Mata Vaishno Devi and Shiv Khori.
However, the site has been in a state of neglect for the past several years. The major setback came on July 15, 2018, when a tragic incident claimed the lives of seven tourists and left 34 others injured as boulders and debris fell from above. Since then, the site has been left in a deplorable state, with little to no maintenance or restoration efforts.
According to locals, around one lakh tourists used to visit the waterfall every year, significantly contributing to their livelihoods. With the site now abandoned, local businesses, including shops and food stalls, are suffering immensely.
“We were dependent on the tourism here for our daily earnings. But since the waterfall has been left unattended, tourists have stopped coming, and our businesses have collapsed,” said a local shopkeeper.
Residents are now urging the administration to take immediate steps for the beautification and restoration of Siyad Baba Waterfall. They demanded proper infrastructure, safety measures, and promotion of the site to bring back the lost footfall of tourists.
“The Government must take steps to restore this natural marvel and ensure proper safety measures so that tourists can once again visit without fear,” said another local.
The locals hope that authorities will recognize the potential of this once-thriving tourist destination and take necessary measures to revive its lost glory.
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