JORABAT, Aug 18 - Soon after shutting down of a city amusement park following serious allegations of contamination of the water there, people from Guwahati city and its surrounding areas are now opting for relishing in natural places to beat the heat.
There is no respite from the blistering heat conditions in the State with high temperatures coupled with energy-sapping humidity forcing people to stay indoors. During such weather conditions, the naturally-formed waterfall at Tegheria, situated near Khetri on the city outskirts, is gaining popularity among the citizens.
Set among lush green hills, the waterfall at Tegheria, with its cool refreshing water cascading down, helps visitors to have a refreshing experience.
The closing down of the Accoland Amusement Park by the district administration allegedly due to its contaminated water, has made people flock to the hitherto less known Tegheria waterfall, which earlier used to have very few visitors even in summer.
�Weekdays now see an increase in inflow of visitors, and this doubles and even triples over weekends. Tourist footfall has been steadily going up each week,� said a person at the ticket counter.
Visitors include not only the locals and working people of the city. Youngsters and college students also visit the natural spot in large numbers.
�It is a sign of Nature�s glory and I am happy that people are beginning to flock to the waterfall in huge numbers,� said Pawan Kumar, a regular visitor and an active member of city-based bikers� group SpacebarZ.
The Tegheria waterfall is a quick getaway destination from the hustle and bustle of the city as it allows people to enjoy the fresh air that refreshes the mind, body and soul, Pawan added.
Meanwhile, Nature lovers, concerned at the damage inflicted upon the landscape due to overcrowding, have suggested to the law-enforcing agencies to keep an eye on the place so that unscrupulous visitors cannot throw garbage and consume alcohol in the open. The Tegheria waterfall also records a good number of picnic groups in winter.
